Nigeria is witnessing another sharp increase in egg prices, with a crate now selling for as much as ₦8,500 in some retail outlets, raising concerns about a looming scarcity.
The surge, according to Nairametrics, is largely driven by a shortage of day-old chicks (DOCs), which has significantly reduced poultry production across the country.
At the farm gate, eggs currently sell for about ₦5,500 per crate, up from ₦5,000 in January 2026. Retail prices range between ₦6,000 and ₦6,500 depending on egg size. However, prices are notably higher in supermarkets and large retail stores, where a crate can cost between ₦7,000 and ₦8,500 due to additional transportation and operational expenses.
Industry experts attribute the situation primarily to the limited availability of day-old chicks. The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) said hatcheries are fully booked months in advance, making it difficult for farmers to restock after their laying birds are phased out.
According to PAN’s Lagos State Chairman, Mojeed Iyiola, farmers may wait up to six months to secure new chicks. This delay disrupts production cycles, as chicks require several months to mature before they begin laying eggs.
The cost of chicks has also surged, rising from about ₦1,800 last year to approximately ₦3,300 currently, further straining farmers’ capacity to sustain or expand operations.
Stakeholders also point to government restrictions on the importation of breeding birds as a contributing factor. These birds are essential for local chick production, and industry players are urging the Federal Government to increase import licences or permit direct chick importation to ease supply constraints.
Additionally, rising fuel prices have pushed up transportation costs, compounding the overall increase in egg prices.
As a result, many Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to afford eggs, traditionally considered one of the most accessible sources of protein. Consumers report steady price hikes since the start of the year, with no clear indication of when relief may come.
Meanwhile, poultry farmers have also expressed concerns over a proposed $900 million partnership between the Federal Government and China. While the initiative aims to boost production to as much as six million eggs daily, stakeholders warn that existing structural challenges—particularly access to critical inputs—must first be addressed for the plan to achieve meaningful results.
