Ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have attributed the sharp increase in prices ahead of Sallah to insecurity and reduced supply, particularly from the Northwest region.
During a market survey conducted on Wednesday, traders explained that limited access to livestock from neighbouring countries, coupled with ongoing border closures, had drastically impacted supply.
At the Dei-Dei livestock market, Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari told correspondents that supply of rams to major urban centres had significantly declined compared to 2024, especially those imported from Niger and other border nations.
“We usually get these animals from Niger and nearby countries, especially the moderately sized ones,” he said. “Now we rely solely on local supply from household livestock farmers, which is limited. Many traders have already abandoned the business due to poor returns.”
Mai-Samari noted that the price of rams had nearly doubled within a year, citing higher transportation costs and a general rise in living expenses.
“A ram that went for N200,000 in 2024 now sells for N400,000. Only the wealthy can afford it now. Small rams are between N150,000 and N190,000, medium ones range from N200,000 to N250,000, while large rams cost from N350,000 to as much as N1 million,” he explained.
In Dutse, roadside livestock dealer Mr Sanusi Abdullahi said his rams were priced between N200,000 and N700,000, depending on size and breed. He blamed political tensions affecting access to livestock from Niger Republic for the low availability.
“We had to travel from village to village across several states to gather these animals. It has not been easy,” he said.
Despite his efforts, Abdullahi revealed he had only sold seven of his 120 rams in two days. He remained optimistic that sales would improve as Sallah approached, even if only at marginal profits.
In Bwari, another livestock trader, Malam Mustapha Aminu, popularly known as “Biggie,” said inflation and widespread economic hardship were affecting patronage.
“Even though the cheapest ram here is N100,000, only a handful of customers have shown interest. This time last year, most of my stock was already sold. Things were hard then too, but this year is worse,” he said.
Some buyers said they had turned to alternative animals for sacrifice due to soaring prices. Mr Hameed Raji, also in Bwari, said he opted to buy a goat for N70,000 instead of a ram.
Similarly, Mrs Rukayya Abdullahi said she and her husband chose to buy three large chickens at N20,000 each, rather than borrow money to purchase a ram.
“This will allow us to host our visitors without financial strain. By Allah’s grace, we hope to afford a ram next year,” she said.
Eid el-Kabir, observed globally by Muslims, is marked by the slaughter of rams in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, and promotes sharing with family and the less privileged.
(NAN)