AS Nigeria celebrates World Egg Day, the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has said that the recent fuel subsidy removal, high cost of feed, devalued naira and other factors have forced hundreds of poultry farms to close eggs across the country.
According to them, these challenges also resulted in the high cost of eggs which is also expected to increase further as a result of the recent fuel price increment.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Secretary of PAN Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Hon Musa Hakeem said that the farm price of eggs which use to be N5,500 will likely increase to N6,000 due to the increased fuel price.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate and commend the efforts of Poultry Farmers and practitioners all the Nation Nigeria and particularly FCT Abuja for their perseverance, resilience and consistency in making sure there is availability of Egg in the country despite the challenges the Poultry Industry faced over the time as a result of Government policies in recent time such as Naira redesign, Fuel Subsidy removal, Foreign Exchange and increase in minimum wage which resulted to high cost of Transportation, high cost of Poultry feed and high cost of labour.
“I want to say unequivocally that, the above-mentioned challenges has forced a lot of poultry farmers out of business and hundreds of farms closed down across the country”, he said.
He commended the Federal Government and the Ministry of FCT for establishing the Ministry of Livestock and Nutrition Department respectively.
“I, therefore, want to appeal to them that Association such as ours should be carried along in formulation of policy, decision making process and implementation of such policies.
“And also Intervention programs aimed at cushion the effect of these challenges faced by poultry farmers should be judiciously monitored so that such interventions can get to the farmers who need them because we only hear and read on the pages of newspapers the implementation of such programs over time”
“We therefore implore all members to remain resolute, unswerving and committed to poultry business as better days ahead.
“World Egg Day 2024 is set to unite people from around the globe on Friday, October 11th, under the theme “United by Eggs”. This year’s celebration emphasizes the ability of eggs to connect people across diverse backgrounds, cultures and nations, showcasing their universal appeal and vital role in global nutrition”, he noted.
While stating that the health benefits of Egg can never be overemphasized, Hakeem said research has shown recently that consumption of at least two Eggs per day for 40 days helps to increase High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) which is known as good cholesterol.
He noted that person with high HDL have low risk of heart disease, stroke and other health challenges.
“The Federal Government as matter of urgent declare a state of emergency on Egg production in the country because it’s on serious decline currently and protein intake. The citizens of this country cannot afford to depend on the importation of Egg”, he added.
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