The price of rams has increased significantly across the country ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebrations.
At the Oluwaga ram market in the Ipaja area of Lagos state, small-sized rams are being sold from a range of N80,000 to N100,000, and medium sizes are sold within the range of N120,000 to N180,000, while the big-sized rams sell in the range of N250,000 to N350,000.
A ram dealer at the market, who identified himself as Muhammad, told TheCable that ram prices rose sharply because the prices of other commodities have also gone up.
He lamented that the cost of transporting the animals from Kano had also increased compared to the previous year.
“I brought them from Kano. Diesel is expensive. Bringing them here takes a lot of money. Their food is also expensive,” Muhammad said.
“Sometimes, these animals fall sick, and we have to treat them. I get a doctor to come here and give them injections.”
He said that despite the high prices, patronage has been impressive, adding that some customers already paid for rams and would pick them up a day before the celebration.
At the ram market in Abesan Estate, the prices of small rams range from N65,000 to N80,000, average-sized rams from N150,000 to N180,000, while big rams sell in the range of N250,000 to N300,000.
Cow prices also cost between N450,000 and N550,000 in Lagos.
Faruq, a cattle dealer at the market, said the hike in the animal feed also caused the increase in the price of rams and cows.
According to him, “taking care of these animals is not cheap”.
Despite low patronage, he expressed optimism that he would sell all his animals before the end of the week.
BENIN
In Benin city, rams sellers decried low patronage amidst the high cost of the sacrificial animal.
In another report by NAN, rams sell from N80,000 above at the 2+2 Cattle Market, Eyaen.
Aliko Haruna, chairman of the cattle market, had said the high cost was a direct reflection of the economic situation in the country.
The chairman said it might be incorrect to blame insecurity in the north for the situation.
OYO STATE
On Wednesday, a ram seller told TheCable that the price goes between N70,000 to N300,000 depending on the market.
In Ibadan, he said small-sized rams cost N70,000 while medium and big sizes sell between N120,000 to N300,000
NIGER STATE
In Niger, the price of a small size ram is around N50,000 to 60,000.
Medium sizes are sold between N80,000 to 100,000, while big sizes are around N120 to N150,000
FCT
In Abuja, the small size is around N70,000 while the big size goes between N200,000 and N300,000
Source: Top Stories