Egg producers in Nigeria are begging the government for help as they struggle with poor sales and rising costs of running their businesses.
The Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, Jigawa State chapter, raised the alarm during a visit to Governor Umar Namadi on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital.
Chairman of the association, Mr Hussaini Gumel, said egg sales have dropped sharply due to economic hardship and the removal of fuel subsidy.
“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, our industry has been hit hard. Many Nigerians can no longer afford eggs, and our sales have plummeted,” Gumel said.
He explained that the high cost of feed and other inputs is making it difficult for farmers to survive. “We’re struggling to keep our businesses afloat,” he added.
Gumel also complained that chicken feed is cheaper in Jos, Plateau State, than in Jigawa and other states, making it hard for Jigawa farmers to compete.
“There’s no market for our products, and the lack of sufficient money in circulation among people is alarming,” he said. “Our businesses are on the brink of collapse.”
He said many poultry farmers, especially women, lack access to cooling systems to store eggs in the hot weather. “We’re appealing for government intervention to prevent losses due to damaged products,” he urged.
The association also asked the government to train farmers and help them build their capacity, especially women who run poultry businesses from home.
To boost egg sales, Gumel suggested that the government include eggs in the school feeding programme. “This would not only increase demand but also provide a stable market for our products, saving poultry business owners from collapsing,” he said.
He reminded the governor that the poultry business creates jobs and supports many families in Jigawa. “We need government support to keep our businesses running,” he said.
Gumel also promised that the association would work with the government by providing useful data to guide policies that will help the poultry sector.
In response, Governor Namadi promised to support the farmers. “I understand the challenges you’re facing, and I’m committed to supporting the poultry industry in Jigawa State,” he said.
“We’ll work together to find solutions, especially to make poultry feed more affordable,” the governor added.
Namadi also said his government would consider training and support programmes, especially for women, and may partner with the private sector to help farmers grow.
“We must support the poultry industry. It provides jobs and income for our people,” he said.
This appeal from egg producers comes as many Nigerians continue to battle with the high cost of living after the fuel subsidy was removed in 2023, leading to a rise in prices of goods and services across the country.
