Distributors Kick Against Plans by Lagos to Tackle Egg Glut

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Eggs Sellers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (ESDAN) has kicked against the proposed plan involving the production of egg powder to tackle the glut of eggs.

The National President of ESDAN, Mrs Olaide Graham, made the position clear in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) this week.

Egg glut occurs when egg production exceeds consumer demand, resulting in a surplus that often forces farmers to sell at reduced prices to avoid spoilage.

The Lagos State Government recently announced plans to establish an egg powder processing facility as part of efforts to address seasonal egg glut in the poultry sector.

Mrs Graham described the initiative as a welcome development but maintained that it would not address the fundamental challenges facing the industry.

“The establishment of an egg powder factory in Lagos to address the egg glut situation will have a positive impact if it is properly implemented and the product meets market standards.

“It could help reduce waste and, to some extent, stabilise prices temporarily.

“However, egg powder may not be widely accepted as a substitute for fresh eggs in this part of the country because of differences in taste, texture and consumer perception.

“Many consumers still regard fresh eggs as more nutritious,” she said.

According to her, the major issue is identifying and addressing the root causes of the egg glut rather than focusing solely on processing surplus eggs.

“We have a population of over 200 million people. Why should there be an egg glut?

“We need to examine what farmers, distributors and other stakeholders are not getting right and provide the necessary support.

“Egg powder is not the cure for egg glut in Nigeria. Stakeholders should come together to identify sustainable solutions,” she said.

Mrs Graham noted that egg powder could serve as a raw material for the production of other goods, but should not be viewed as a long-term remedy for the challenge.

She emphasised the need for improved distribution systems across the egg value chain.

“Effective distribution can go a long way in addressing the problem.

“We should remember that Lagos distributes not only eggs produced within the state but also eggs brought in from other parts of the country.

“In every challenge, there is always a solution, but egg powder is not the major solution to egg glut,” she said.

The ESDAN president also dismissed concerns that egg distributors could be negatively affected by the proposed factory.

“Distributors have nothing to fear because Nigerians are accustomed to consuming fresh eggs.

“The number of consumers who will continue to prefer fresh eggs will still be higher.

“Even if egg powder production affects access to fresh eggs, there will still be ways to address that challenge.“If the purpose of producing egg powder is to reduce glut, then that is why distributors have joined the conversation,” she said, according to the news agency.