Ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have attributed the surge in ram prices to insecurity and reduced supply from the Northwest region.
During a market survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, traders explained that the limited availability of rams is also a result of Nigeria’s border closures.
Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, a livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei livestock market, noted that the supply of rams to major cities has dropped significantly compared to 2024, especially from neighbouring countries.
“You know we mostly get these animals from Niger and other nearby countries that share borders with us in the north, especially the moderately sized ones.
“Now, we have to rely solely on local supply from household livestock farmers, which is limited.
“Many traders have even left the business for more profitable ventures,” he said.
Mai-Samari further explained that ram prices have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, citing rising transportation costs and the overall increase in the cost of living.
“A ram that sold for N200,000 in 2024 now goes for N400,000. Only the rich can afford it now.
“Prices vary depending on size: smaller rams cost between N150,000 and N190,000, medium ones go for N200,000 to N250,000, while large rams range from N350,000 to as much as N1 million,” he explained.
Similarly, Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, a roadside livestock trader in Dutse, said ram prices in his area range from N200,000 to N700,000. He linked the stress and expense of sourcing animals locally to the limited access from Niger Republic, likely caused by ongoing political tensions.
“I and my boys had to go from village to village across different states, gather the rams, and transport them here. It hasn’t been easy,” he said.
Abdullahi disclosed that, despite his efforts, he had only sold seven rams out of about 120 in two days. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic that sales would improve before Sallah, even if only at minimal profit.
In Bwari, another roadside trader, Malam Mustapha Aminu, popularly known as “Biggie”, shared a similar sentiment, pointing to inflation and economic challenges as the main reasons for poor sales.
According to him, while many Muslims intend to partake in the Eid el-Kabir sacrifice, the majority can no longer afford it.
“Even though the cheapest ram at my stand goes for N100,000, only a few people have bought so far. This time last year, I had sold nearly all my stock.
“Things were tough then too, but this year is worse. Still, we hope sales will pick up closer to Sallah,” he said.
On the buyer’s end, Mr. Hameed Raji, who was shopping in Bwari, said he decided to purchase a goat instead of a ram due to cost constraints.
He noted that he bought an average-sized goat for N70,000, which he planned to slaughter for his family and friends.
Similarly, Mrs. Rukayya Abdullahi said she and her husband opted to buy and slaughter three large chickens at N20,000 each instead of a ram.
“This will not only serve our visitors but also save us from borrowing money to buy a ram.
“By Allah’s grace, we hope to afford a ram next year,” she said.
Eid el-Kabir, a major Islamic celebration observed globally, involves the symbolic slaughter of rams as an act of worship and a means of sharing food with family, friends, and the less privileged. (NAN)
