Egg Producers Protest Low Sales and Call for Government Intervention

The Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the declining sales of eggs in the country, attributing the downturn to rising economic challenges and reduced purchasing power among Nigerians.

This issue was highlighted by the Jigawa State chapter of the association, led by Mr. Hussaini Gumel, during a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday evening.

According to Gumel, “Since the removal of fuel subsidy, our industry has been hit hard. Many Nigerians can no longer afford eggs, and our sales have plummeted,” attributing the decline in sales to the increasing economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

The poultry farmers’ leader noted that the situation is further exacerbated by the rising costs of production, including feed and other inputs. “We’re struggling to keep our businesses afloat,” Mr. Gumel said.

The association’s members, both men and women, are grappling with several challenges, particularly in securing affordable poultry feed. Mr. Gumel expressed concern, saying, “It’s disheartening that chicken feed is much cheaper in Jos, Plateau State, compared to Jigawa and many other states. This price disparity has made it hard for poultry farmers in Jigawa to maintain profitability.”

The ongoing economic difficulties have worsened the situation, as many Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to afford chicken and eggs due to their limited financial resources.

“There’s no market for our products, and the lack of sufficient money in circulation among people is alarming,” Mr. Gumel said, warning that the business is on the brink of collapse.

Mr. Gumel further expressed concern, stating, “Poultry farmers also lack essential infrastructure, such as refrigerators and cooling devices, to preserve their products in the hot weather. We’re appealing for government intervention to prevent losses due to damaged products.” He stressed the importance of support to maintain the quality of their products and reduce waste.

Additionally, Mr. Gumel emphasized the need for training and capacity-building programs, particularly for women involved in the poultry business, to help them improve their skills and increase productivity saying,

“We need government support to facilitate training and empower our members, especially women at home who are engaged in poultry farming.”

Moreso, the chairman urged Namadi to consider providing support to egg producers in the state. “We need government intervention to cushion the effects of these economic hardships,” he said.

However, Gumel stressed the importance of the poultry industry to the state’s economy, noting that it provides employment and income for many residents. “We need government support to keep our businesses running,” he said.

The association’s leader also called for policies that would promote the growth of the poultry industry and promised to work closely with the government to identify areas where support is needed most. “We’ll provide necessary data and insights to inform policy decisions,” Gumel said.

Responding, the governor assured the poultry farmers of his administration’s support, promising to look into the challenges facing the industry, saying,

“We’ll work together to find solutions.”

“I understand the challenges you’re facing, and I’m committed to supporting the poultry industry in Jigawa State. We’ll work together to identify solutions to the feed scarcity issue and explore ways to make it more affordable for your businesses,” he noted