Eid Ram Prices Soar Amid Low Patronage—Livestock Sellers Decry Harsh Economy

Abuja, Nigeria — Ram sellers across major Nigerian cities have lamented poor patronage as prices of rams surge ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, attributing the spike to insecurity, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.

In Abuja, livestock traders at the Dei-Dei market blamed the drastic price increase on reduced supply from the Northwest and neighboring countries, largely due to insecurity.

Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, a ram dealer at the market, explained that most rams previously sourced from Niger and other border countries are now inaccessible. “We now depend on local household livestock farmers, which limits availability,” he said. “Many traders have left the business because it’s no longer profitable.”

Mai-Samari noted that the cost of rams had doubled compared to 2024, citing transportation expenses and the broader cost of living as contributing factors. “Rams that sold for ₦200,000 last year now go for ₦400,000. Only the wealthy can afford them now,” he added.

Prices vary by size, with small rams priced between ₦150,000 and ₦190,000, medium ones ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦250,000, and large rams selling for between ₦350,000 and ₦1 million. Similarly, in Dutse, Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, a roadside trader, confirmed that ram prices there ranged from ₦200,000 to ₦700,000.

In Ile-Ife, Osun State, the situation remains dire. The Chairman of the Ram Sellers’ Association, Odo-Ogbe Market, Alhaji Akeem Salahudeen, attributed poor sales to the weakened economy and exorbitant ram prices. “Big rams that sold for ₦550,000–₦620,000 last year now cost between ₦800,000 and ₦1.2 million,” he noted. Medium-sized rams now go for ₦450,000–₦550,000, while smaller rams, once sold for ₦200,000, now attract up to ₦450,000.

At the Sabo Cattle Market in Ile-Ife, Alhaji Saheed Yaro echoed similar concerns. According to him, small rams now cost ₦250,000–₦350,000, medium ones ₦350,000–₦450,000, and large ones ₦550,000–₦780,000—up from ₦480,000–₦500,000 last year.

In nearby Modakeke, Mr. Musa Salami of the Boosa Cattle Market reported that a medium ram that previously cost ₦170,000–₦200,000 now goes for ₦250,000–₦300,000, while big rams have jumped from ₦350,000–₦400,000 to ₦600,000–₦750,000. He shared that despite bringing 150 rams a week ago, he has sold only 15. “Many customers just walk away after hearing the prices,” he said.

Salami disclosed that his loyal customers over the years are now backing out, unable to afford the steep prices.

Buyers Feel the Pinch

For many Nigerians, the reality of high prices has forced lifestyle adjustments. Mrs. Rukayya Abdullahi, a prospective buyer, said she and her husband opted to buy three large chickens at ₦20,000 each instead of purchasing a ram.

Similarly, Mr. Bayo Olabisi, a civil servant, described this year’s Sallah as difficult for average workers. “A medium-sized ram now costs ₦250,000, the same type I bought for ₦150,000 last year. I would rather buy half a bag of rice and two chickens for my family,” he said. He blamed the hardship on increased transport and commodity costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Citing Islamic teachings, Olabisi noted that Muslims who cannot afford a ram should not borrow to buy one. “There’s no reward for sacrifice made on credit,” he added.

Lagos, Ogun Markets See Similar Trends

In Lagos and its outskirts—including Agege, Ibafo, and Kara in Ogun State—traders reported that no ram is available for less than ₦250,000 this year. Sizes that went for ₦50,000 last year now sell for ₦100,000, and those previously priced at ₦350,000 are now ₦500,000 or more.

Ram dealers across these regions collectively expressed hope for last-minute sales but maintained that affordability remains a challenge for most buyers in 2025’s difficult economic climate.

By Adeola Olaniya | June 5, 2025