Eid-el-Kabir: Ram Sellers Lament Poor Patronage as Prices Hit N700,000

Eid-el-Kabir: Ram Sellers Lament Poor Patronage as Prices Hit N700,000

Livestock dealers in Kano State are expressing concern over poor patronage across major markets despite the large supply of animals ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The development comes as the prices of sacrificial animals, especially rams, cows and camels, continue to rise sharply amid worsening economic hardship and inflation in Nigeria.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-al-Adha, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals observed by Muslims worldwide. The celebration commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis Salam) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.

As part of the religious obligation, Muslims slaughter animals such as rams, goats, sheep, cows or camels that meet Islamic standards regarding age and health.

A visit to major livestock markets including Goron Dutse and Kofar Nai’sa in Kano revealed that traders had stocked thousands of animals in anticipation of increased demand ahead of Sallah.

The markets were filled with rams, goats, sheep, cows and camels of different sizes and prices to cater to various categories of buyers.

However, despite the heavy supply, traders said customer turnout has remained low compared to previous years.

Speaking at the Goron Dutse market, Chairman of the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State, Alhaji Bashir Sule-Dantsoho, said many traders were worried about declining sales.

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According to him, the prices of livestock have increased significantly due to the rising cost of transportation, insecurity affecting livestock routes, and the soaring price of animal feed.

He disclosed that small-sized rams currently sell for between N150,000 and N200,000, while medium-sized rams cost between N350,000 and N500,000.

Large rams, he said, now sell for as high as N700,000 and above.

Sule-Dantsoho added that camel prices range from N500,000 to N3 million, while bulls and cows are sold for between N600,000 and N3 million, depending on size and quality.

“Last year, a bag of animal feed sold for between N10,000 and N13,000, but this year the same product now costs about N25,000,” he explained.

“Transportation costs have also increased sharply, and all these expenses affect the final selling prices.”

At the Kofar Nai’sa livestock market, another dealer, Kabiru Mustapha, blamed the poor sales on the prevailing economic hardship across the country.

He said many households are struggling to afford sacrificial animals due to the high cost of living.

According to Mustapha, traders now spend several days without recording meaningful sales because many buyers can no longer afford large animals.

He stated that camel prices currently range between N500,000 and N2.5 million, while cows sell for between N400,000 and N3 million depending on size and condition.

He added that medium and large-sized rams now cost up to N550,000 and above.

Mustapha noted that many prospective buyers are delaying purchases until the final days before Sallah in the hope that prices may reduce.

Findings indicate that the situation is not limited to Kano State alone.

In several northern states including Kaduna and Kwara, livestock dealers are also reporting poor patronage despite having enough animals in stock for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Reports from Kaduna livestock markets show that some large rams now sell for nearly N1 million, while traders in Kwara State have reportedly considered selling animals on credit due to weak customer turnout.

Traders attributed the rising prices to inflation, insecurity, transportation challenges and supply shortages from neighbouring countries.

Some prospective buyers who spoke at the markets expressed concern over the continuous rise in the prices of sacrificial animals.

They warned that the situation may prevent many Muslim families from performing the religious obligation associated with Eid-el-Kabir this year.

Others said they may contribute money jointly with relatives, friends or neighbours to purchase animals for the celebration.

Despite the challenges, many buyers remain hopeful that competition among traders could force prices down slightly as the Sallah festival approaches.

Eid-el-Kabir: Ram Sellers Lament Poor Patronage as Prices Hit N700,000