By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, many Muslims across Nigeria are abandoning the tradition of slaughtering rams and are instead turning to more affordable options such as goats and chickens. Some are even skipping the sacrifice entirely. This shift is largely driven by the sharp rise in ram prices and the prevailing economic hardship.
A middle-aged woman and mother of seven, who wished to remain anonymous, said her household had no plans to slaughter ram or any substitute. “We’re not slaughtering ram, and we’re not considering alternatives either. Things are bad, but in every situation, we thank God. Hopefully, things will improve, and we can afford a ram next Sallah,” she said. “We can’t even afford chicken, turkey, or fish. That’s how tough things are, but Alhamdulillah all the way. It’s been like this for the past five years.”
Dauda Shehu, a commercial driver in Lokoja, said he opted for a goat this year instead of a ram. “Last year, I bought a medium-sized ram for N120,000. That same size now costs nearly N250,000. There’s no way I can afford that. I’ve told my children we’ll buy a goat this year. God knows our intention,” he said. Zainab Yusuf, a 35-year-old provision seller in Felele, said she also would forgo ram this year. “Usually, I start saving from Ramadan so I can at least buy a small ram for the kids. But this year, everything scattered. Shop rent increased, prices of goods doubled, and sales aren’t moving,” she lamented.
The soaring price of rams is a concern for both buyers and sellers. Alhaji B. B. Umar, Chairman, B B Umar Livestock Market Ganaja said prices have risen by at least 25 percent compared to last year. “This year, rams sell between N200,000 and N450,000, depending on size and breed,” he said. He blamed the increase on rising feed costs, insecurity in the North, and a growing number of urban breeders. “We can’t farm openly anymore due to insecurity. Customers buy only what they can afford.”
Umar appealed to the federal government to always empower livestock dealers through soft loans during and after festivals. In Lokongoma, roadside animal markets are popping up, but patronage remains low due to high prices. Sellers are, however, hopeful that sales will pick up closer to Sallah.
Muhammad Awwal, a teacher, said he already told his family he can’t afford a ram this year. “I won’t push myself. A medium size ram costs over N200,000 while cows go for N1 million or more. Slaughtering is not obligatory in Islam. I’ll buy food instead—we can’t do without that,” he said. For a civil servant, Yahaya Usman, he can’t afford a ram this Sallah unless given as charity. Goats, which are also accepted for sacrifice, are cheaper but less desirable among many households. Still, some like Usman are opting for a goat or will join others in buying a cow collectively—a local practice known as Watanda
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