Eid-el-Kabir: Cost of rams rises to ₦700,000 in Kano

Ram sellers in major livestock markets in Kano State have expressed concern over low customer turnout ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, as prices of sacrificial animals continue to rise sharply, ranging between ₦150,000 and ₦700,000.

A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Goron Dutse and Kofar Nai’sa livestock markets in Kano metropolis showed that traders have stocked enough animals in anticipation of high festive demand, but patronage has remained weak.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-al-Adha, is a major Islamic celebration marked by the sacrifice of animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God. The ritual is observed on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.

At Goron Dutse market, the Chairman of the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State, Bashir Sule-Dantsoho, said despite adequate supply of livestock, sales have been sluggish due to prevailing economic conditions.

According to him, small rams now sell between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000, medium-sized rams go for ₦350,000 to ₦500,000, while larger rams cost about ₦700,000 and above.

He also noted that camels now range from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million, while cows and bulls sell between ₦600,000 and ₦3 million depending on size and quality.

Sule-Dantsoho attributed the price increase to rising costs of animal feed and transportation, noting that a bag of feed which sold for about ₦10,000 to ₦13,000 last year now costs around ₦25,000.

Similarly, at Kofar Nai’sa market, livestock dealer Kabiru Mustapha blamed the low patronage on economic hardship affecting many residents.

He said traders often go several days without making meaningful sales, as many households struggle with basic expenses ahead of the festive period.

Mustapha added that some buyers are delaying purchases in hopes of price reductions as Eid approaches, a trend he said has further slowed market activity.

Some prospective buyers who spoke with NAN expressed concern that the rising cost of rams may affect their ability to observe the religious sacrifice, though they remain hopeful prices may ease slightly closer to the celebration.

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