Nigeria poultry industry contributes over 25% to agricultural GDP, employs 25 million. Farmers seek feed cost relief ahead of World Egg Day 2025

Nigeria poultry industry GDP contribution remains a vital force in the nation’s economy, generating over 25 per cent of agricultural GDP and employing more than 25 million Nigerians, according to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), FCT chapter.

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Speaking during the 2025 World Egg Day commemoration in Abuja, PAN board member Mr Bello Ibrahim highlighted the sector’s critical role in food security, national employment, and nutrition.

World Egg Day, celebrated globally on the second Friday of October, carries the theme this year: “Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition.”

Ibrahim noted that Nigeria is now Africa’s largest egg producer, delivering more than 650 million tonnes of eggs annually.

Yet, behind that success lie major challenges — especially for smallholder farmers, who make up over 60 per cent of poultry producers nationwide.

“These farmers face rising costs of feed and day-old chicks, limited access to finance, and minimal government support,” Ibrahim said. “Without timely intervention, their ability to produce affordable eggs is severely threatened.”

While maize prices have recently dropped due to government policy, he explained that most smallholders — especially those with fewer than 8,000 layers — cannot produce their own feed, meaning they see no benefit from the reduced cost of maize.

The poultry board member also criticised the market dominance of large-scale producers, who access cheaper inputs and control market prices, putting smaller operators at a disadvantage.

“If the current drop in maize prices is reflected in feed costs, it could ease the burden on small farmers and ultimately reduce egg prices for Nigerian consumers,” he stated.

Ibrahim urged greater public awareness of eggs as the cheapest source of protein in Nigeria, typically costing between ₦150 and ₦200.

“World Egg Day is about more than celebration — it’s about recognising the egg’s nutritional and economic value,” he said.

Former PAN FCT Chairman, Mr Chima Wilson, echoed these sentiments, saying this year’s theme rightly spotlights the health benefits of eggs.

“Eggs may look small but are nutrient-dense — packed with protein, vitamins A, E, and B-complex — essential for healthy growth, especially in children,” Wilson explained.

Wilson called on government at all levels to reduce production costs by subsidising key inputs, expanding access to credit, and creating formal markets.

“Government can also buy eggs for distribution to schools, orphanages, and vulnerable groups,” he said. “Such policies will support farmers and promote nutrition.”