Lagos Poultry Farmers Promise Price Drop Ahead of Xmas, New Year

News in brief:

-Lagos poultry farmers say egg prices will drop to between ₦5,100 and ₦5,300 per crate as the state’s Ounjẹ Eko subsidy reduces production costs.

-The intervention is also expected to influence chicken prices ahead of Christmas, with feed processors already adjusting their rates.

Lagos residents may soon enjoy a reduction in poultry prices ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, following assurances from the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos Chapter. The development comes on the heels of Phase II of the Lagos State Government’s Ounjẹ Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, designed to ease food costs during the festive season.

PAN Vice President and Chairman of the Aiyedoto Poultry Farmers Settlement, Foluso Adams, recently confirmed the expected price drop in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems had earlier announced the rollout of the second phase of the programme, which seeks to support farmers and cushion production costs.

Subsidy Already Triggering Price Adjustments

Adams explained that the subsidy is a welcome relief for farmers battling rising input costs and will have a direct impact on market prices.

According to him, the cost of a crate of eggs, currently between ₦5,500 and ₦6,000, is projected to fall to around ₦5,100 to ₦5,300 as the subsidy takes effect.

“With the discount they have given us, poultry farmers have already met to adjust prices downward. The Ounjẹ Eko subsidy will go a long way in reducing the cost of poultry produce during the yuletide,” he said.

However, he noted that the intervention may not reach all farmers due to the limited range of feed brands being distributed.

Not All Farmers Will Benefit Equally

Adams explained that the programme currently provides only the Animal Care feed brand, excluding farmers who rely on other feed manufacturers.

“Some farmers use different brands of feed, so they may not directly benefit. But we have encouraged our members who qualify to take advantage of the subsidy and give back to society by reducing prices,” he added.

He revealed that the association has formally communicated its commitment to price reduction to the state government, ahead of a planned meeting in Alausa. The subsidised feed materials are expected to start arriving from Wednesday, with 50 farmers from their settlement listed as beneficiaries.

Interestingly, the intervention is already influencing market behaviour among feed processors.

“Other feed companies are also reducing their prices so they don’t lose customers. Nobody wants to be pushed out of the market,” Adams noted.

Possible Drop in Chicken Prices

Beyond eggs, the association expects the subsidy to positively impact chicken prices, another major expense for households during the Christmas season. Discussions on final pricing are ongoing.

Adams added that a wider adoption of similar interventions across other states could help stabilise poultry prices nationwide.

“If other states key into what Lagos is doing, poultry prices will reduce drastically during the yuletide season,” he said.