Egg Sellers Reject Blame for Rising Prices, Urge Unity to Save Nigeria’s Poultry Market

Nigeria’s egg sellers and distributors are pushing back against accusations from poultry farmers who claim they are behind the recent spike in egg prices. The Egg Sellers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (ESDAN) says the allegations are baseless, insisting that distributors have been doing everything possible to keep prices affordable despite mounting economic pressures.

Mrs. Olaide Graham, President of ESDAN, described the claims as unfair and misleading, noting that distributors are already battling high fuel costs, inflation, and soaring feed prices. She explained that their focus has always been to ensure eggs remain within reach for the average Nigerian household, even as the poultry industry faces one of its toughest periods.

A crate of eggs currently sells for about ₦5,500 in most parts of the country — a price Graham considers fair, especially when compared with other protein sources. “Eggs still offer the best value for money,” she said. “With a crate, you get thirty pieces of nutritious protein at a cost far lower than what it would take to buy meat or fish.”

Graham dismissed suggestions that distributors are manipulating the market for profit, calling such claims “a clear attempt to divert attention from the real issues.” She noted that ESDAN has repeatedly sought collaboration with poultry farmers to stabilize prices, but many producers prefer to dictate both production and pricing. This, she said, creates tension and inefficiency in the supply chain.

She also highlighted the challenges distributors face daily — from product spoilage and fluctuating demand to steep transportation costs. “Eggs are highly perishable,” she explained. “We often buy from farmers on credit, and if prices drop or the eggs spoil before sale, we bear the loss. Yet, we’re the ones being blamed.”

According to her, intermediaries or “middlemen” play a vital role in ensuring eggs reach consumers quickly and consistently. She accused some farmers of hypocrisy, arguing that they criticize middlemen while refusing to sell directly to distributors at fair rates. “If they want to eliminate middlemen, they should be ready to deal with us directly under fair conditions,” she said.

While poultry farmers insist that distributors inflate prices after purchase, the back-and-forth between both sides has deepened division in the poultry sector. Graham believes this blame game only weakens the market and called for unity among stakeholders.

She urged farmers, distributors, and government agencies to work together through regular dialogue, transparent pricing, and policy support that strengthens the supply chain. “Everyone benefits from a stable market,” she said. “When trust and cooperation replace suspicion, the industry will thrive again.”

ESDAN reaffirmed its commitment to keeping eggs affordable for Nigerians and promoting stability in the poultry industry. Graham warned that without collaboration and fair practices, the sector will remain trapped in cycles of conflict and price volatility.