Eating fresh chicken during Christmas remains a cherished cultural symbol of celebration and prosperity for many Nigerian families, but this tradition is becoming more expensive as poultry prices surge compared to 2024, with adult layers now selling for N10,500–N20,000 and broilers for N18,000–N30,000, while frozen chicken has risen to N5,500–N6,500 per kilogram.
Retailers attribute the gradual increases to higher farm prices and logistics costs, with one Ikorodu seller explaining: “Three months ago, we sold the layers for N8,500, but now the price has gone up because we also bought them at a higher price at the farm, and then we spent money on transportation to bring them to the market.”
Farmers cite soaring feed expenses as the main driver, as Ade Usman stated: “A 50kg bag of broiler starter goes for N140,000… It is the price of poultry feeds, transportation, and other expenses… that drive the price up. It is not easy for us, too,” while Emmanuel Elom added, “The public thinks poultry farming is very lucrative, but they don’t consider the expenses… feed and medication costs eat deep into that money.”
However, some workers accuse farmers of seasonal profiteering, with an Ibadan poultry worker saying, “A congo of corn has come down to N600, but farm owners will not reduce prices… because they want to take advantage of the festive season to cash out.”
Broader issues such as insecurity and climate change continue to push up feed costs, even as the Lagos State government’s Ounje Eko Phase II subsidy program seeks to stabilize production and lower prices, leaving many households still bracing for a costly Christmas meal.