Nigeria’s poultry industry is urging the Lagos State Government to accelerate the completion of a long-awaited egg powder processing factory, saying the facility could significantly reduce post-production losses, stabilise the egg market and create new commercial opportunities for farmers struggling with oversupply. Industry leaders believe value addition through egg processing is becoming increasingly important as producers seek practical solutions to improve profitability and strengthen the resilience of the country’s poultry sector.
The appeal was made by members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, during the association’s annual summit in Alausa, where poultry farmers, researchers, government officials and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss innovation, investment and strategies for improving poultry production.
Speaking during the event, PAN Lagos Chairman Mojeed Iyiola said unsold eggs remain one of the biggest financial challenges facing commercial poultry farmers, with some producers forced to discard hundreds of eggs every day because of limited market demand.
According to Iyiola, these losses translate into millions of naira in lost income and weaken the financial sustainability of poultry enterprises already dealing with rising feed costs and other production expenses.
He welcomed the Lagos State Government’s support for establishing an egg powder processing factory, describing the project as a critical investment that could transform excess egg production into a valuable processed product for both domestic consumption and future export opportunities.
“Even if we cannot export immediately, processing surplus eggs into powder will provide an important market outlet while reducing waste and improving returns for farmers,” he said, urging authorities to fast-track the completion of the facility.
Egg powder is widely used by bakeries, food manufacturers, hotels, restaurants and institutional catering services because of its longer shelf life, easier transportation and reduced storage requirements compared to fresh eggs. By converting surplus eggs into a shelf-stable product, processors can minimise waste, improve food security and create additional value across the poultry supply chain.
Industry experts believe such processing facilities could also help stabilise egg prices during periods of oversupply by creating alternative markets for producers instead of allowing eggs to spoil or be discarded.
The summit, held under the theme “Flocking to Growth: Transforming Nigeria’s Poultry Industry with Innovation and Investment,” also focused on helping farmers adopt modern production technologies capable of improving efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Iyiola encouraged poultry producers to move away from outdated production methods and embrace innovations that improve flock management, reduce production costs and increase business competitiveness. He noted that the association has already partnered with academic institutions to provide practical and technical training aimed at equipping farmers with modern poultry management skills.
Professor Olugbenga Ogunwole, an expert in agricultural biochemistry, animal nutrition, poultry science and food safety at the University of Ibadan, told farmers that improved feeding practices remain one of the most effective ways to maximise the performance of modern poultry breeds.
He observed that despite significant advances in poultry genetics and production technology, many farmers continue to rely on poor-quality feeds and outdated management practices that limit bird performance and reduce profitability.
According to Ogunwole, matching improved poultry breeds with quality nutrition and modern management systems can significantly enhance growth rates, egg production and overall farm efficiency while strengthening the competitiveness of Nigeria’s poultry industry.
The Director of Extension Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Olushola Egbota, encouraged farmers to make greater use of government agricultural extension services, noting that technical guidance remains an important tool for improving farm productivity and addressing production challenges.
She urged poultry producers to work closely with extension officers to access updated information on flock management, disease control, nutrition and other best practices capable of improving production outcomes.
The renewed call for faster completion of the egg powder factory comes as Nigeria’s poultry sector continues to expand in response to rising demand for affordable animal protein. However, recurring challenges including fluctuating feed prices, weak processing infrastructure, post-harvest losses and market volatility continue to limit the industry’s full potential.
Industry analysts say greater investment in processing facilities such as egg powder plants could strengthen the poultry value chain by reducing waste, extending product shelf life, creating additional revenue streams and opening opportunities for value-added exports in the future.
As Nigeria works to modernise its poultry industry, stakeholders argue that investing in value addition is becoming just as important as increasing production. For poultry farmers in Lagos, the proposed egg powder factory represents more than a processing plant—it is viewed as a strategic investment that could reduce losses, improve profitability, strengthen food security and position the industry for more sustainable long-term growth.
