At a press briefing on World Egg Day, held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Abuja, Musa Hakeem, Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) FCT Chapter, urged the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency in egg production due to a significant drop in protein intake among Nigerians. He emphasized that the country should not rely on egg imports.
Hakeem explained that if egg prices reflected the rising costs of production factors, they could reach N10,000 per crate. However, to be compassionate and considering the health benefits of eggs, they have kept the price at N5,500. He noted that the last government intervention regarding grain supplies was three years ago, and any other efforts to alleviate high food prices seem to exist only in news reports.
He called on the government to involve PAN in its intervention strategies, as they maintain comprehensive data on poultry farmers in the FCT. Hakeem criticized the government's neglect of the poultry sector, stating that business operators have been struggling independently and are concerned about the industry's future.
Additionally, agro dealer Jude Arikogu expressed frustration over the arbitrary price hikes for feed by millers, noting that a 25kg bag often weighs less than 23kg when weighed