With Eid-el-Kabir fast approaching, livestock prices in Abuja have skyrocketed by more than 100%, leaving many buyers frustrated and traders blaming insecurity and limited supply.
Visits to key livestock markets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—including the busy Zuba market—reveal a stark contrast in pricing trends. While the cost of staple food items such as rice, beans, and tomatoes has slightly dropped in recent weeks, the price of rams and other sacrificial animals has soared beyond reach for many families.
Rams Now Cost Up to ₦1 Million
Ahmed Maikudi, a livestock trader at Zuba market, attributed the price surge to supply shortages caused by insecurity and the near-absence of imports from neighboring countries.
“In past years, we brought in large numbers of rams from Niger Republic and other border nations. But this year, we’re almost entirely dependent on local sources, and it’s not enough,” Maikudi said. “Some of our colleagues have left the business entirely—it’s just not profitable anymore.”
According to him, medium-sized rams that sold for ₦200,000 last year now go for ₦400,000. Smaller animals are priced between ₦150,000 and ₦190,000, while larger rams are now commanding prices from ₦350,000 up to ₦1 million.
Along the Nyanya-Abuja Expressway, another trader, Abdullahi, echoed similar concerns. “If you’re hoping to buy a ram for ₦100,000, maybe come back after Sallah,” he quipped. “Right now, it’s not realistic.”
He lamented slow sales: “In the last week, I’ve sold less than 10 animals. Buyers are few and far between.”
Consumers Cut Back Amid Soaring Costs
The high prices are forcing many buyers to scale down their Sallah plans. Adekunle Ajayi, a regular buyer who travels from Abuja to Oyo State with livestock each year, said he could barely afford one ram this time.
“Last year, I spent ₦200,000 on three animals. Now, I can’t even get one good ram for that amount, not to mention transportation to Ibadan,” he said.
Experts Blame Insecurity, Climate Challenges
Experts say the price surge is a symptom of deeper systemic issues.
Bosun Alebiosu, a research fellow at the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA), linked the price hike to worsening security conditions in food and livestock-producing regions.
“Farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and Boko Haram activities have severely disrupted livestock production in the North. Until the government addresses security in these areas, economic instability will persist,” he noted.
Dr. Abimbola Adegoke, an agricultural expert at the University of Abuja, added that the North’s pastoral system is already vulnerable.
“Livestock rearing in Nigeria still relies heavily on traditional, extensive systems with minimal infrastructure. When you add climate change, insecurity, and conflict into the mix, the result is a sharp decline in production and limited movement of livestock to markets in the South,” she said.
Eid Holidays Declared
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir. However, with ram prices soaring and insecurity hindering supply chains, the celebrations may be more subdued for many families this year.
