Nigeria’s poultry industry is facing mounting pressure as rising production costs continue driving up the prices of eggs and chicken, making two of the country’s most important protein sources increasingly unaffordable for many households.
For years, poultry products have remained among the most accessible and affordable sources of animal protein for millions of Nigerians. However, worsening economic conditions, surging feed prices, expensive transportation, electricity challenges, and shortages of day-old chicks are now threatening the sustainability of poultry farming across the country.
Poultry farmers say operating conditions have become extremely difficult, with many producers struggling to maintain profitability. While some farmers have reduced flock sizes to cut costs, others have been forced to shut down operations entirely due to the growing financial burden.
Feed costs remain the biggest challenge facing the industry. Maize and soybean, the primary ingredients used in poultry feed production, have experienced significant price increases in recent years. Farmers explain that feeding birds from the chick stage to maturity now consumes the largest portion of operational expenses, leaving very little room for profit after sales.
Transportation costs have also increased sharply following continued fuel price hikes. The rising cost of moving feed, chicks, medicines, and poultry products across different regions has placed additional pressure on producers, particularly farmers operating in remote areas. Many poultry businesses have been left with no option but to transfer part of these costs to consumers through higher egg and chicken prices.
The shortage of day-old chicks has emerged as another major concern within the sector. Farmers report longer waiting periods when sourcing chicks from hatcheries, with supply becoming increasingly limited. Industry stakeholders believe the shortage is linked to rising import costs for breeding stock, equipment, and hatchery inputs, which have affected local production capacity. As a result, the price of chicks has risen significantly, increasing the cost of restocking poultry houses.
Electricity and energy costs are further complicating production. Poultry farms and hatcheries depend heavily on stable power for lighting, incubation, ventilation, and refrigeration. However, unreliable electricity supply in many parts of Nigeria has forced operators to rely on diesel and petrol generators, which have become extremely expensive to run.
The impact is already being felt by consumers across the country. Egg prices have risen sharply in many retail outlets and local markets, while chicken meat has become increasingly expensive, especially during festive seasons and periods of high demand. Retailers say consumers are now purchasing fewer eggs and smaller quantities of chicken as household incomes struggle to keep pace with food inflation.
Nutrition experts warn that the situation could have serious implications for food security and public health. Eggs and chicken provide affordable protein for children, pregnant women, and low-income families. Reduced access to these products may contribute to declining nutrition levels and increased vulnerability to health problems among economically disadvantaged communities.
Poultry associations and agricultural stakeholders are now urging the Nigerian government to introduce support measures aimed at stabilising the sector. Farmers are calling for increased investment in local maize and soybean production, affordable agricultural financing, improved hatchery support, and policies that reduce the overall cost of poultry production.
Industry players believe Nigeria still has strong potential to rebuild and expand its poultry sector, creating employment opportunities while strengthening domestic food production. However, experts caution that without urgent intervention to address rising costs and supply chain pressures, poultry products could become even less affordable for ordinary Nigerians in the months ahead.
