Egg scarcity looms nationwide as prices rise to ₦8,500 per crate

Nigeria is experiencing another increase in egg prices, with a crate now selling for as much as ₦8,500 in some shops.

This rise is mainly caused by a shortage of day-old chicks (DOCs), which has reduced poultry production across the country.

At farms, eggs now 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 the size of the eggs.

In supermarkets and large stores, prices are higher, ranging from ₦7,000 to ₦8,500 due to extra costs like transportation and operations.

Experts say the shortage of day-old chicks is the main reason for the situation.

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) explained that hatcheries are fully booked months ahead, making it hard for farmers to get new chicks after their old birds stop laying eggs.

According to the Lagos chairman of PAN, Mojeed Iyiola, farmers may have to wait up to six months before getting chicks. This delay affects production because chicks need time to grow before they can start laying eggs.

The cost of chicks has also increased sharply, rising from about ₦1,800 last year to around ₦3,300 now. This has made it more expensive for farmers to continue or expand their businesses.

Industry players say government restrictions on importing breeding birds are part of the problem.

These birds are needed to produce chicks locally. They are asking the Federal Government to increase import licences or allow direct importation of chicks to improve supply.

Higher fuel prices have also increased transportation costs, which has pushed egg prices even higher.

As a result, many Nigerians are finding it harder to afford eggs, which are usually one of the cheapest sources of protein. Some consumers say prices have been rising steadily since the beginning of the year, with no clear sign of when they will drop.

Earlier, poultry farmers also raised concerns about a proposed $900 million partnership between the Federal Government and China.

While the government says the project will boost production and produce up to six million eggs daily, stakeholders warn that existing challenges like limited access to inputs must be solved first for the plan to succeed.

Source: Nairametrics