Lagos Farmers Warn: Antibiotics Threaten Local Egg Powder Production

Nigeria’s ambition to turn its massive egg production into a thriving egg-powder industry is running into a challenge at the farm gate: how poultry farmers use antibiotics.

Poultry farmers in Lagos are warning that antibiotic residues in eggs could undermine efforts to produce locally made egg powder that meets the standards required by food manufacturers and potential export markets.

The concern was raised by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, as the state continues to explore ways of tackling the recurring problem of egg oversupply and waste.

PAN Lagos Chairman, Mojeed Iyiola, said farmers must rethink their production methods if Nigeria is serious about developing a competitive egg-processing industry.

According to him, eggs meant for powder production should come from carefully managed flocks, with farmers paying closer attention to the medicines administered to birds.

While antibiotics remain an important tool for treating poultry diseases, improper use can leave residues in eggs. Iyiola therefore encouraged farmers to consider alternatives such as probiotics where appropriate, work closely with veterinarians and strictly observe prescribed withdrawal periods after medication.

The push for egg powder production comes at a time when poultry farmers are struggling with a familiar problem — producing more eggs than the market can absorb.

Farmers in Lagos have called for the state government to speed up plans for an egg powder factory, arguing that processing could provide a lifeline for producers when fresh-egg demand falls.

Speaking at a PAN Lagos summit in Alausa, Iyiola reportedly said some farmers are forced to dispose of hundreds of eggs because of poor market demand, with the losses running into millions of naira.

Egg powder could change that equation.

Unlike fresh eggs, which have a relatively short shelf life, processed egg powder can be stored for longer periods and supplied to industries such as bakeries, food manufacturers and other commercial users.

But farmers and industry stakeholders say building a factory alone will not solve the problem.

For Nigeria’s egg-powder ambition to succeed, the quality of the raw material will be critical.

Industry stakeholders have identified several issues that could determine the viability of the sector, including antibiotic residues, production costs, certification, electricity supply, food-safety compliance and the ability of farmers to provide a consistent volume of suitable eggs.

Farmers producing eggs for processing will therefore need to maintain stricter production standards and ensure that veterinary medicines are used responsibly.

Observing withdrawal periods is particularly important because eggs collected before the required period has elapsed may contain unacceptable drug residues.

PAN has consequently been pushing for greater awareness among poultry farmers and better farm-management practices as Nigeria seeks to build an egg-processing value chain capable of competing beyond the domestic market.

Nigeria’s recurring egg surplus presents a paradox for the poultry industry: farmers can produce large quantities of eggs, yet weak demand and limited processing capacity can turn that abundance into financial losses.

A functional egg-powder industry could provide a solution by creating another market for fresh eggs, extending their usable life and opening opportunities for industrial buyers.

It could also help Nigeria reduce dependence on imported egg products while creating additional income streams across the poultry value chain.

For that vision to become reality, however, stakeholders will need to look beyond the factory itself.

Better farm practices, responsible antibiotic use, food-safety controls, reliable power, quality certification and stronger connections between farmers and processors will all be necessary.

If those pieces fall into place, Nigeria’s egg glut could gradually shift from a costly problem into a new industrial opportunity — turning an everyday farm product into a longer-lasting commodity with greater economic value.