As Muslims prepare for Eid-el-Kabir, the price of rams has skyrocketed in markets across Nigeria, rising from about N700,000 to as high as N1.5 million in just a few weeks.

The sharp increase has left many buyers shocked and worried as the festival draws closer. In major markets like Mile 12 in Lagos, Kano Central Market, and markets in Abuja, traders say demand is very high while supply remains low.

Reasons for the Price Surge:

• High Demand: Many families want to buy rams for the Eid sacrifice, pushing up prices.
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• Cost of Transportation: Rising fuel prices and security challenges on major highways have increased the cost of moving animals from the North to southern markets.
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• Feed and Rearing Costs: Livestock farmers say the cost of feeding rams has gone up significantly due to inflation.
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• Short Supply: The ban on live cattle imports and difficulties in bringing animals across borders have reduced the number of quality rams available.
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A livestock dealer in Lagos explained that a big, healthy ram that was sold for N700,000–N800,000 last month now goes for N1.2 million to N1.5 million depending on size and breed.

Many buyers are now considering smaller rams or planning to join groups to buy and share larger ones. Some families have also started looking for alternatives or cutting down on other festival expenses.

Religious leaders have urged Muslims not to go into debt just to buy rams, reminding them that the essence of the sacrifice is devotion and not competition or show-off.

With only a few weeks to Eid, market watchers expect prices to remain high or even go higher as demand peaks. For many households already struggling with the high cost of living, this year’s Eid celebration is likely to be more modest.