Egg prices have risen sharply across Lagos as poultry farmers and distributors grapple with a worsening shortage of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs), a situation that stakeholders say is threatening production capacity and supply stability in the market.
Farm-gate prices for a crate of eggs have increased to about ₦5,500, up from approximately ₦5,000 earlier in the year, while retail prices now range between ₦6,000 and ₦8,500 depending on location and vendor. The upward trend has been linked to constrained hatchery output and limited access to replacement stock for farmers.
Industry stakeholders attribute the shortage to a backlog in hatchery production, with many farmers reportedly unable to restock their poultry farms on time. Some operators are said to be facing waiting periods extending several months before receiving deliveries of chicks needed to sustain production cycles.
Brandspur Agriculture News Desk reports that the scarcity of Day-Old Chicks is largely tied to restrictions on import licences for parent stock, which are essential for breeding and maintaining consistent chick supply. The limitation has reduced the availability of new birds entering the production chain, thereby tightening overall supply.
The Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, Mojeed Iyiola, explained that hatcheries are currently operating beyond capacity, with demand far exceeding supply. He noted that the price of a single chick has increased significantly, reflecting the pressure within the supply chain.
Similarly, the President of the Egg Sellers and Distributors Association, Olaide Graham, stated that several farmers who made advance payments for chicks months ago are yet to receive their orders. She also highlighted that rising fuel costs have compounded distribution expenses, further contributing to higher retail prices.
Consumers across Lagos have begun to feel the impact of the shortage, with many reporting inconsistent pricing and reduced affordability. Eggs, traditionally considered one of the most accessible sources of protein, are becoming increasingly difficult for households to purchase regularly.
Residents in areas such as Gbagada and Alimosho expressed concerns that the rising cost is affecting household nutrition, particularly for families that rely on eggs as a dietary staple for children. Market observers warn that if the supply gap persists, prices may continue to climb in the coming months.
Stakeholders are calling on the Federal Government and relevant agricultural authorities to intervene by reviewing import policies and improving access to parent stock. They argue that expanding supply at the breeding level is critical to stabilising the poultry industry and preventing further price escalation.
Industry players maintain that without urgent policy adjustments and increased investment in hatchery capacity, the poultry sector may face prolonged shortages, with ripple effects across food security and consumer affordability in Nigeria.
