By Patrick Idowu
Poultry traders in Abuja are facing shortages as farmers hold back chickens ahead of Christmas, driving up prices.
Ahmed Yusuf, a Karu market trader, said only a few farmers are selling early, forcing buyers to pay higher rates.
“The few chickens available are sold at exorbitant prices as farmers space out their stock before the festive rush,” he said.
Broiler chickens that recently sold for N6,000 are now going for N8,000, while those previously N8,000 have risen to N10,000.
At the Abuja Main Livestock Market in Dei-Dei, Abdurrashid Adamu said old layer chickens are expected soon from states like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto, but current low supply is hitting regular customers.
Lawal Hamza Daura, another trader, sells large broilers at N20,000-N23,000 depending on quantity. “Customers buying in bulk get a discount, but those buying one or two pay the top rate,” he said.
Traders predict prices could rise further above last year’s festive rates due to higher commodity costs.
Early buyer John Ndese noted prices are currently lower than last December, but warned that rates may spike as demand peaks in the coming week.
