The Lagos Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, has expressed concern over the recent low purchasing power and consumption of eggs, blaming retailers for being greedy.

This was revealed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) granted by PAN Chairman of Lagos state, Mojeed Iyiola, on Sunday.

The reduced patronage of eggs in the poultry sector is not peculiar to farmers alone.

“Virtually all consumable goods are experiencing low patronage due to the low purchasing power in the economy.

“Perhaps salaries are insufficient to meet the nutritional demands of families, or other expenses take priority over purchasing eggs.

“Eggs are still the most affordable protein you can buy in Nigeria; they are not as expensive as people think.

“The price from poultry farms is less than N5,500 per crate. However, individual consumption patterns vary.

“The perception that eggs are expensive is simply fixed in people’s minds.

“Retailers who buy eggs at N5,500 at the farm gate price are adding higher profits than normal for selfish gains.

“When retailers purchase a crate at N5,500, the maximum profit they should add is no more than N100 or N200.

“However, some retailers sell a crate for as high as N6,000 or N6,500, thus making more profit than the poultry farmers who do all the work.

“A profit of N1,000 per crate is excessive, so the price increase or low patronage cannot be blamed on farmers.

“Also, the cost of raw materials for production should be considered, although it is still bearable.

“The subvention we received from the Lagos State Government was temporary and helped us while it lasted, but it is currently on hold.

“We are still expecting palliatives from the government to further cushion production expenses in the sector,” he said.

On the other hand, Joel Oduware, a poultry processor gave his two cents stating;

“Generally, the low patronage of eggs is due to the economic downturn, low disposable income, and reduced purchasing power.

“Despite schools resuming, we expected an increase in egg consumption compared to when they were on recess, but consumption remains low, especially in some northern states and other regions.

“Basically, the general economic strain is the reason for low patronage. The global financial situation is also affecting our industry; people cannot afford to eat as comfortably as before.

“We could reduce the price of eggs somewhat instead of experiencing a constant glut in the sector.

“However, any price reduction must factor in production costs.”