By Ayomide Otitoju
As Muslims prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the prices of rams have risen sharply across Kaduna State, forcing many prospective buyers to delay purchases despite the availability of livestock in major markets.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in key livestock markets within Kaduna metropolis showed that markets were well stocked with rams, although patronage remained low due to high prices.
At the Zango, Rigasa and Bashama Road markets, small-sized rams sold for between N150,000 and N250,000, while medium and large-sized animals ranged from N300,000 to as much as N1 million, depending on size and breed.
Residents who spoke with NAN described the prices as significantly higher than those recorded in previous years.
One buyer at the Zango market, Abdulrahman Usman, expressed concern over the rising cost of rams while negotiating with traders. He, however, said he hoped prices would drop closer to the Sallah celebration.
Another prospective buyer, Ibrahim Lawal, a civil servant at the Bashama Road market, said he had postponed plans to purchase a ram because of prevailing economic challenges.
“There are many responsibilities to meet ahead of the celebration. Buying a ram at the current price is difficult for many families,” he said.
“We are hoping that traders may reduce prices as the festival draws nearer.”
Livestock dealers attributed the price increase to rising transportation costs, insecurity along supply routes and the growing cost of feeding and maintaining the animals.
A trader at Rigasa market, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, said operational expenses had increased significantly, affecting the final selling prices.
“We spend more on transportation, feeding and medication for the rams before they are sold,” he said.
“Most traders are not making the expected profit because of the high operational costs.”
Another seller, Nasiru Ibrahim, said temporary ram markets had emerged across parts of Kaduna metropolis as traders intensified efforts to attract buyers ahead of the festive period.
According to him, some traders now move around residential areas with rams in search of customers, while others display the animals in front of homes and shops.
“The rams are available, but many people are finding it difficult to afford them because of the current economic realities,” Ibrahim said.
Another livestock dealer, Bilyaminu Musa, said he imports rams from Niger Republic for premium customers.
“I have been doing this for close to 10 years. I bring rams for my premium customers who know the worth of the rams,” Musa said.
He disclosed that out of the 40 rams he brought into Kaduna, 14 had already been sold. According to him, the smallest ram costs N350,000, while the biggest sells for about N700,000.
NAN reports that ram sellers have continued to occupy strategic locations across Kaduna metropolis in search of buyers ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
