Residents of Nsukka in Enugu State are facing a significant challenge as the price of eggs has skyrocketed, making it increasingly unaffordable for many households. According to interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, a crate of eggs now costs N5,000, which translates to about N200 per egg.
Mrs. Stella Nduka, a concerned housewife, expressed her distress over the situation, noting that her children had been deprived of eggs due to their high cost. She explained that market reports indicate that sellers are compelled to sell at higher prices due to purchasing costs from poultry farms, where crates are bought at N4,500 and resold at N5,000.
Mr. Jude Ugwuoke, who operates a fast food joint, lamented that the increased cost of eggs has negatively impacted his business. He recounted that the price hike has forced him to increase the price of meals, which has led to a decline in customer patronage.
Similarly, Mrs. Juliet Onah, a seller at Ogige Market, defended the sellers, stating that they operate on slim profit margins despite the expenses incurred in transportation and procurement. She highlighted the significant rise in prices from earlier in the year when a crate was sold for N2,000.
Poultry farmer Mr. Ernest Ugwu attributed the rise in egg prices to the increased costs of chicken feeds. He emphasized that unless the government intervenes by subsidizing feed ingredients, the prices are unlikely to decrease. Ugwu underscored the necessity for farmers to cover production costs while aiming to sustain profitability.
In addition to the egg price surge, other food staples like garri and rice have also seen substantial price increases in Enugu metropolis. The NAN survey revealed that the cost of garri and rice has risen by over 50% in recent months, further straining the budgets of residents.
The prevailing economic challenges have prompted calls for government intervention to address food insecurity and alleviate the burden on consumers. As prices continue to rise across various essential commodities, stakeholders are urging swift action to mitigate the impact on households already grappling with economic pressures.
