The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), FCT Chapter, has reaffirmed that eggs remain one of the most affordable and complete sources of dietary protein, capable of providing 12 to 13 per cent of daily nutritional requirements. The association made this known to mark the 2025 World Egg Day, themed “Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition.”
World Egg Day is celebrated every second Friday in October and was established in 1996 by the International Egg Commission (IEC) to promote the nutritional and economic benefits of eggs. The event highlights the importance of eggs as a sustainable food option that supports healthy living and food security.
Mrs Yemi Egwudale, Auditor of PAN FCT and Managing Director of Yemi’s Integrated Farms, stated that eggs, currently sold between N150 and N250, offer a complete and balanced diet for individuals across all age groups. She explained that consuming two eggs daily provides roughly a quarter of the body’s required protein, a level that is difficult to obtain from many other foods.
“Eggs contain protein, carbohydrates, fat, and healthy cholesterol. One or two eggs daily gives a child a fully nourishing diet for learning and development,” Egwudale said. She urged the federal government to revive the national school feeding programme and ensure that every pupil receives at least one egg each day, citing the food’s affordability and nutritional value.
Egwudale pointed out several challenges faced by poultry farmers in Nigeria, including insecurity, inadequate access to veterinary services, and rising costs of production inputs. According to her, the price of a day-old chick now ranges from N1,600 to N1,900, while raising one to the point of lay costs about N9,000, making egg production more expensive for farmers.
She appealed to the government to introduce subsidies on poultry inputs, create targeted grants, and provide affordable loans for local farmers to ensure stable egg production. “Government can partner with hatcheries, feed mills, and vaccine producers to cut production costs. This will make eggs more affordable and accessible to low-income Nigerians,” she added.
Egwudale also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on poultry farming, noting that many farmers are now forced to operate by proxy due to the risk of attacks on farms and staff. She called on authorities to prioritise security in rural communities, stressing that protecting farmers is vital for ensuring food security and supporting Nigeria’s agricultural growth.