Poultry farmers in Plateau State have proudly declared that the state produces the best-quality eggs in Nigeria — a reputation they attribute to the state’s unique weather, altitude, and natural environment that give their eggs superior freshness, strength, and durability.
Marking the 2025 World Egg Day in Jos, the Chairperson of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau Chapter, Mrs. Shinkur Angela Jima, said Plateau’s temperate climate provides a natural advantage for poultry production, enabling birds to thrive and produce high-quality eggs that last longer without refrigeration.
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“Our eggs are the best in Nigeria because of the climate under which they are produced,” she said. “The cool weather and low humidity on the Plateau mean our eggs have a longer shelf life — they can stay fresh for up to one month without going bad.”
Jima explained that the combination of favorable temperature, altitude, and natural ventilation ensures that the eggs are firm, with stronger shells and richer yolks compared to those produced in hotter regions.
“An egg from Plateau doesn’t spoil easily, and that’s why buyers from across Nigeria and even neighboring countries prefer them,” she said.
Climate Advantage That Sets Plateau Apart
Farmers across the state echoed the same sentiment — that Plateau’s cooler weather and stable temperature reduce heat stress in birds, making them healthier and more productive.
According to Mr. Mohammed Uduanokhai, a poultry farmer in Bassa Local Government Area, the climatic difference is clear when it comes to quality.
“An egg produced in a hot zone like Bauchi can spoil within a week, but an egg from Plateau can stay up to three weeks and still look fresh,” he said. “That is the strength of our environment.”
Similarly, Mrs. Amorudu Husseni, a poultry farmer in Bukuru, said traders from Abuja, Borno, and other states travel to Jos to buy Plateau eggs because they last longer and maintain their colour and texture even after long journeys.
“Hot weather in other states makes their eggs go bad quickly, but ours stay fresh because of the temperature here,” she explained.
External Demand, Local Challenge
Despite the recognition, the farmers lamented that local consumption in Plateau remains low. According to Mr. Caleb Menegbe, CEO of Kukuruku Agro Concept, between 70 to 80 percent of eggs produced in the state are sold to external markets such as the North East, Niger Republic, and even the Central African Republic.
“People in those regions drink a lot of tea and eat eggs with it — they appreciate our quality,” he said. “But here at home, people still see eggs as a luxury.”
Investment Still a Major Barrier
Farmers, however, pointed out that producing such high-quality eggs comes at a high cost. With the cost of nurturing a single bird to production estimated at about ₦12,000, the poultry business in the state remains capital-intensive.
“We have the best environment for poultry, but the cost of feed and lack of government incentives make it tough for farmers to expand,” Uduanokhai said.
Despite these challenges, Plateau farmers remain optimistic that with increased support, their state could become the hub of premium egg production in West Africa.
“We don’t just produce more eggs — we produce better eggs,” said Jima. “Our weather gives us that edge, and that’s why Plateau eggs stand out anywhere in Nigeria.”
Culled from Daily Trust
