Some ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wednesday attributed the high cost of rams to insecurity and low supply from the Northwest.
The traders, in an interview during a market survey in Abuja, said the low supply was also due to the closure of Nigeria’s borders.
Ahmed Mai-Samari, a livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei livestock market, told NAN that rams supplied to major cities were far below expectations 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.
He noted that the price of rams had doubled compared to 2025, attributing it to rising transportation costs and the overall 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 stated.
Similarly, Mr Sanusi Abdullahi, a roadside livestock trader in Dutse, said ram prices ranged from N200,000 to N700,000.
He added that sourcing the animals locally had been stressful and costly due to 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.
On sales, Mr Abdullahi revealed he had sold only seven out of about 120 rams in two days, though he remained hopeful of selling at least half before Sallah, even at minimal profit.
In Bwari, another roadside trader, Mustapha Aminu, popularly known as “Biggie,” also lamented low patronage, blaming it on inflation and economic hardship.
He said while many Muslims wish to participate in the Eid el-Kabir sacrifice, most of them can no longer afford it. (NAN)