As Muslims prepare to mark Eid-el-Adha, residents of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States have expressed concern over the sharp rise in the prices of rams and essential commodities, attributing the spike to transportation costs and regional trade restrictions.
A survey conducted by correspondents in the three states revealed that the usual festive buzz was missing, as high prices discouraged many Muslim families from participating fully in the traditional celebrations.
In Rivers, traders noted that this year’s Eid was being observed on a smaller scale due to economic hardship. Mr Biodun Hakeem, a cattle seller at Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt, said the cost of rams had doubled compared to 2024.
“A sizable ram that sold for N200,000 to N250,000 last year now goes for between N450,000 and N600,000,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Hazzan Ismaili from Iriebe Cattle Market blamed the high cost on a ban by Niger Republic on the export of rams to Nigeria, which he said had disrupted supply chains and intensified reliance on domestic sources.
Mallam Usman Bala, an Islamic cleric at Elelenwo Central Mosque, reminded Muslims of the essence of Eid-el-Adha as a commemoration of sacrifice, adding that “ram slaughter is important but not compulsory; those who can afford it should share with others.”
On transportation, Mr Simon Idika, a commercial driver, said fluctuating fuel prices had stabilised fares at high levels, with a Port Harcourt to Abuja trip costing between N28,000 and N36,000. He noted a sharp drop in inter-state travel by Muslims compared to previous festive periods.
In Cross River, livestock dealer Mr Zaharadeen Mukhtar, who operates in Bogobiri, Calabar, also blamed the rising cost on restrictions and multiple checkpoints between the North and Calabar. He said transporting a ram now costs N30,000 compared to N15,000 previously, with ram prices ranging from N175,000 to N1 million.
“Last year it wasn’t this bad, but in 2025, the price hike has been severe,” he said.
Tomato seller Mr Usman Adamu said price increases in tomatoes and pepper were driven more by seasonal changes than by the festival. He said a basket of tomatoes now sells for between N160,000 and N170,000, while pepper has surged to N200,000 per bag from N70,000.
In Akwa Ibom, Alhaji Bello Dahiru at Nasarawa Market in Itam said the prices of rams now ranged from N220,000 to N700,000, mainly due to high transportation costs.
Chef Ms Rose Gabriel noted a slight decrease in some food prices. She said a bag of rice now costs about N75,000, down from N95,000 last month. Tomatoes at Akpan Andem Market ranged from N26,000 to N65,000 depending on the size, while a litre of vegetable oil was priced between N3,700 and N4,000.
On intercity travel, the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) listed its fares as follows: Uyo to Abuja and Lagos at N34,500 (air-conditioned) and N31,000 (non-air-conditioned); Kaduna N34,000; Ilorin N37,000; Ibadan N31,500; Enugu N13,500; Port Harcourt N8,000; Benin N22,500; and Calabar N7,000.
(NAN)
