In the northern region of Nigeria, It has been observed about the frantic last-minute rush to purchase rams for the upcoming Sallah festival. Many residents are voicing their concerns over the steep prices of these sacrificial animals.

EID SALES007
Cows and rams on sales, as Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, at the Kara cattle market, Isheri, Ogun State — EID
Cows and rams on sales, as Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, at the Kara cattle market, Isheri, Ogun State
Credit: Punchng

Rising Prices and Economic Strain

Numerous Muslim faithful in the Arewa region, eager to participate in this year’s Sallah festivities, are deeply worried about the alarming prices of rams in the markets. Many disappointed buyers fear that the high costs might prevent them from fulfilling the Islamic spiritual obligation and celebrating the festival with a ram.

Price Comparison and Economic Challenges

A comparison by Arewa PUNCH of the current 2024 market prices with those of 2023 reveals that ram prices have surged by over 300% in some cases, far exceeding the average Nigerian’s income. Last year, some buyers managed to afford rams, but this year’s prices leave them uncertain.

eid sallah ram cow sale — EID
Cows and rams on sales, as Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, at the Kara cattle market, Isheri, Ogun State-
Credit: Punchng

The economic hardship in the North has worsened, with residents struggling to prioritize expenses like food, rent, school fees, and transportation over purchasing a ram. The high cost of living compounds their financial strain, making it difficult to allocate funds for Sallah preparations.

Market Observations and Seller Perspectives

Arewa PUNCH visited the popular Thursday market in Minna, which also operates on Saturdays, to assess the situation at the ram section. The economic challenges were evident.

eid ram cow — EID
Cows and rams on sales, as Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, at the Kara cattle market, Isheri, Ogun State…
Credit: Punchng

Amuda Hamid, a ram seller, expressed his frustration: “We couldn’t afford to buy many rams this year. Only government officials and politicians, who bought early, are our customers now. Even small rams are unaffordable for many. We’re in trouble if this continues.”

A female customer, Aisha Mamud, lamented the high prices: “The price of rams in 2024 shows that Nigerians are in for a tough time. A small-sized ram costs between N250,000 and N350,000, while a medium-sized ram is nearly N500,000. I might as well buy a cow for that amount.”

Suleiman Kudu, another ram seller, shared his plight: “Since 7am, I haven’t sold any rams. Customers leave when they hear the prices. Last year, a small ram sold for N80,000; this year, it’s N180,000. A medium-sized ram that was N150,000 to N170,000 is now N300,000.”

Suleiman explained that the high prices are not the sellers’ fault; they have to price the rams based on their purchase cost, with a small profit margin. Even sellers might have to celebrate Sallah without rams this year.

Buyers in last-minute rush for Sallah rams lament exorbitant costs1 — EID
Cows and rams on sales, as Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir, at the Kara cattle market, Isheri, Ogun State…
Credit: Punchng

Abubakar Danladi, another seller, attributed the high costs to the exchange rate: “The exchange rate affects everything, including rams, rice, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. A small ram that used to be N70,000 to N100,000 is now N200,000. This is not the Nigeria we used to know.”

The surge in ram prices and the broader economic challenges are casting a shadow over this year’s Sallah celebrations in the North. Many residents are grappling with tough decisions as they balance their financial priorities in these challenging times.

Read also: