Nigerian parents with children in kindergarten and primary school dey express frustration as dem struggle with the high cost of eggs. Dem lament say their kids no longer take eggs to school since dem resume in September because of the persistent price hike.
Some of these parents wey speak to PUNCH Healthwise say the increase in the price of eggs leave dem no option but to stop buying dem for their children, even when dem need the protein for their optimal development.
A crate of eggs wey dem buy for N4000 a few weeks ago now sell for between N6,000 and N6,500, while a single egg now sell for N250 or more, depending on the location.
The rising cost of maintaining a healthy diet don put strain on many Nigerians. The average daily cost of a healthy diet in the country reach N1,255 per adult in August 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria warn say if urgent steps no be taken to support poultry farmers, prices of eggs might increase from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate. The association attribute the rising cost of the protein to the high cost of transportation as a result of fuel subsidy removal and the indiscriminate increase in feed prices by the millers.
Mrs. Shade Afolabi, a hairstylist at Agboju Market Old Ojo Road, Lagos, say eggs don become a luxury for her three children as dem no longer go to school with them. She lament say poor families no longer fit buy eggs for their children because of the hike in price occasioned by high transportation and poultry feed.
Promises Mgbuemena, a petty trader selling vegetables at Arena Market, Oshodi, also talk say the hike in the price of eggs force many low-income parents to make difficult choices about what to include in their children’s meals. She note say the situation could impact the children’s health and educational outcomes.
A Consultant Paediatrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr Stanley Onah, say parents who want the best for their kids should add eggs to their lunch boxes because of the important nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals wey eggs provide.
