Nigeria Tops Africa with 666,000 Tonnes of Egg Production in 2024

Nigeria has overtaken South Africa and Egypt as Africa’s leading egg producer (image source)

Nigeria has cemented its position as Africa’s undisputed poultry powerhouse, producing a record 666,000 tonnes of eggs in 2024, according to figures released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The milestone not only reinforces Nigeria’s role as a leader in agribusiness but also highlights how targeted government interventions and industry resilience are shaping food security across the continent.

The ministry attributes the record output to improved breeder-stock quality, expanded hatchery capacity, and feed subsidy programmes that have bolstered small- and medium-scale farmers. Nigeria’s poultry sector, already valued at over $4 billion, employs millions of people across the value chain—from grain producers to feed millers, transporters, traders, and retailers.

Dr. Amina Yusuf, President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, hailed the achievement as a breakthrough. “This record shows the resilience and innovation of our farmers. However, feed costs still account for more than 60% of production expenses. Without better access to affordable credit and long-term financing, sustaining this momentum will be difficult,” she cautioned.

Nigeria’s northern egg-basket states, particularly Kaduna and Bauchi, have been central to the surge. Farmers there say the bumper harvest has stabilised prices in major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Yet, some smallholder producers warn that their trading margins have shrunk. With more eggs flooding markets, prices at the farm gate have flattened, leaving rural traders squeezed between high feed bills and lower mark-ups.

Despite these challenges, analysts argue that the sheer scale of production has cushioned urban consumers from sharp price spikes. The affordability of eggs—traditionally one of Nigeria’s cheapest protein sources—has provided relief for families grappling with food inflation.

In Lagos, traders confirm that egg prices have remained relatively stable compared to staples like rice, maize, and cooking oil. This has improved protein intake among low-income households, particularly school-aged children and working-class families who rely on eggs as a daily source of nutrition.

Downstream industries are also reaping benefits. Bakeries, confectioners, and food processors report more consistent supply and predictable pricing, factors that reduce volatility in their own cost structures. Industry insiders say Nigeria’s food and beverage sector stands to gain significantly from a stable poultry ecosystem.

Even as production soars, structural obstacles remain. Poultry feed costs are heavily tied to the price of maize and soybean, which have been volatile due to currency fluctuations, import dependency, and regional climate shocks. To address this, stakeholders are urging the government to expand incentives for local feed production, while banks are being lobbied to extend tailored credit lines to poultry farmers. Without such reforms, experts warn, Nigeria could struggle to maintain its competitive advantage.

Looking ahead, the industry is exploring premium markets such as organic, free-range, and fortified eggs. These could fetch higher margins locally and abroad, provided certification systems are strengthened. Equally critical is investment in cold-chain logistics. Poor storage and transport facilities continue to cause post-harvest losses, particularly in rural areas. Modernising egg-handling and distribution could save farmers millions of naira annually while ensuring freshness for consumers.

With this record output, Nigeria has overtaken South Africa and Egypt to become Africa’s leading egg producer. For policymakers, the milestone demonstrates the potential of agriculture as a cornerstone of economic diversification and rural empowerment.

But industry experts stress that sustaining the crown will require bold policy choices. As Dr. Yusuf put it: “We have proven our capacity to produce at scale. The next step is to build resilience—through finance, innovation, and infrastructure—so that our farmers can thrive even in tough times.”

For millions of Nigerians, the humble egg is no longer just a breakfast staple; it has become a symbol of national resilience and agricultural promise.