Abuja: The rising cost of eggs has made the commodity increasingly unaffordable for many consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Some residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja said the price increase had forced them to either stop buying eggs or purchase smaller quantities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a market survey revealed that a crate of eggs (30 pieces) now sells for between N5,900 and N7,500, depending on the location. An egg wholesaler, Moturanyo Alao, attributed the high cost to hot weather conditions. She explained that birds do not thrive in excessive heat, which has affected supply. Additionally, the cost of transportation has increased due to higher fuel prices, coupled with the high cost of poultry feed, contributing to the rise in egg prices. Alao expressed optimism that prices may drop in the coming weeks as the rainy season sets in.
Retail seller Musa Abdullahi also noted the impact of hot weather on egg prices. He mentioned that he was previously selling a crate of eggs at N6,000, but now it goes for between N6,400 and N7,000, depending on the size. Abdullahi shared that his supplier complained of low supply, forcing him to contact multiple suppliers to get stock. Similarly, a branch manager of a poultry farm, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the company had to source eggs from other farms to meet demand, resulting in an increase in retail prices from N5,800 to N6,500. The manager also highlighted rising transportation costs as a contributing factor.
Mrs. Ruth Johnson, a petty trader, shared that she had reduced her egg consumption since prices began rising in 2025. With prices reaching about N6,000 per crate, she now eats eggs maybe once a week. Unable to afford a crate, she purchases pieces, which now sell for about N250 each. Ngozi Okachukwu, a civil servant and mother of four, said eggs were now a luxury item in many homes, as it is difficult to spend N6,000 from one’s income to buy eggs for a family of six. She prefers to buy beans or other protein sources that last longer.
A security guard, John Akor, commented that eggs had become unaffordable for low-income earners, stating, “Eggs are now for the rich. When I see them, I just pass by.” Abubakar Nura, a tea seller, popularly known as ‘mai shayi,’ said he sells an egg for N350 and noted that some customers now take tea without eggs or have reduced their consumption.
Professional baker Caroline Eka stated that the increase in egg prices, alongside other baking ingredients, had forced her to raise the prices of her products, especially cakes. When eggs rose to about N6,000 per crate in 2025, she had to review her prices to avoid selling at a loss. She expressed her empathy for customers but acknowledged the reality of the situation.
The latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Food Price Report for February 2025 reported that the average price of a crate of agric hen eggs rose by 0.52 percent on a year-on-year basis from N5,967.12 in February 2025 to N6,007.35 in February 2026.