Residents, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, said this had affected consumption of the product in many households.

They said the high cost of poultry products would deprive Nigerians of getting the health benefits of the product. The neighbors pointed out that the high cost of the product had forced them to complement it with other proteins, such as fish, goat and beef meat, which were not cheaper either.

Veronica Adejohofficial, said she found it difficult to rule out the consumption of eggs, especially for her growing children, due to their nutritional value.

“I used to buy a box or half a box of eggs when it was only ₦1,000 or ₦2,000, but since it increased to more than ₦4,000, I started buying in chunks.

“Sometimes I buy 10 pieces or even less, depending on the money available. I still see it as having nutritional value for my children’s diet and that is why I will not stop buying it.

“I may not put meat in their food every day, but they still bring an egg each to school, at least twice a week. It is essential for growing children.” she said.

Adejoh said she made sure to add plenty of greens like spinach, carrots or lettuce to her meal to boost some of the protein as well. Chioma OkparaThe businesswoman said that as an adult she could do without the eggs, but that children needed the product for proper growth.

“I try to make sure my kids have eggs once a week because it’s important for their health.” he added.

Okpara said he initially used to give eggs to his children four times a week, but with the high cost of ₦5,400 to ₦6,000, he had reduced his consumption of eggs and chicken.

“As for chicken, I supplement it with goat meat as it has become almost unaffordable for the common man.

“I still get a kilo of goat meat for ₦6,500, but the smallest homegrown chicken you can get now costs between ₦8,000 and ₦12,000.” she noted.

Abubakar Sadiqone poultry farmer, said the high cost of a day-old chick and feed had contributed to the cost of chicken and eggs, and that prices were rising daily.

According to him, a 25kg bag of Ultimate Superstarter now costs £23,900, up from £15,000 previously, adding that chicken feed prices are increasing almost every day.

“It is not easy for farmers; most of the time we sell at a loss; Customers always complain that eggs are expensive; the reason is because of the feeds.

“If these birds are not fed well, they will not lay eggs like they are supposed to; We are also not happy with how things have turned out in the country.

“This business is no longer as lucrative as it used to be; With the high cost of food, you won’t expect anything less than what we sell in eggs.” said.

Sadiq called on the government to investigate the plight of poultry farmers and offer solutions to the constantly rising feed prices.

Also, Beatriz Alfaan egg seller, said her business had recorded low patronage as a result of the constant increase in the price of eggs. Alfa said most of its customers, especially bakers who normally buy up to 20 boxes of eggs a day, no longer buy those quantities. He said most of the time he ended up selling five to 10 boxes in a day, down from the initial 50.

“People no longer buy in large quantities like before; most prefer to buy five pieces for £1,000 rather than buying a box due to the high cost.

“Most of the time, eggs are not even available and if they are available, you will find that the sizes are small. I know people still buy it for its health benefits, especially for children.

“If feed prices continue to increase, farmers will have no choice but to continue increasing the price of the product.

“A sizable egg carton now costs between ₦5,600 and ₦6,000, while a small-sized carton costs ₦5,400. Most of the time I come to the market and end up not selling anything.” she noted.

Alfa called on the government to help farmers with incentives that would reduce the cost of feed and other poultry materials.