• 05 Jun, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Sallah Ram Sellers Struggle with Low Sales as Prices Rise Across Nigeria.

   Sallah Ram Sellers Struggle with Low Sales

as Prices Rise Across Nigeria

On the eve of the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, ram sellers in cities including Abuja, Lagos, and Ile-Ife have expressed concern over low customer turnout, despite soaring prices.

     Abuja

In the capital, traders blame insecurity and reduced livestock supply from the Northwest for the high prices. According to Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari at the Dei-Dei livestock market, the usual imports from Niger and neighboring countries have dwindled, forcing reliance on smaller-scale local farmers. He noted that rising transport and living costs have also doubled prices compared to last year.

A ram that sold for ₦200,000 in 2024 now sells for ₦400,000. Prices vary: small rams range from ₦150,000 to ₦190,000, medium from ₦200,000 to ₦250,000, and large ones from ₦350,000 to ₦1 million.

Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, a roadside seller in Dutse, confirmed similar pricing between ₦200,000 and ₦700,000.

      Ile-Ife

In Osun State, the Chairman of the Ram Sellers’ Association at Odo-Ogbe Market, Alhaji Akeem Salahudeen, also reported poor sales. He noted that:

   Big rams now cost between ₦800,000 and ₦1.2 million (previously ₦550,000–₦620,000)
   Medium sizes sell for ₦450,000 to ₦550,000 (up from ₦300,000–₦350,000)
  Smaller rams now go for ₦300,000 to ₦450,000 (up from ₦200,000–₦230,000)

He cited insecurity in the North as a major reason for the price hike, which has disrupted livestock supply.

At Sabo Market in Ile-Ife, Alhaji Saheed Yaro confirmed similar trends, with prices across all sizes increasing significantly compared to last year.

In Modakeke’s Boosa Cattle Market, Mr. Musa Salami said medium-sized rams that cost ₦170,000–₦200,000 in 2024 now sell for ₦250,000–₦300,000. Larger rams, previously ₦350,000–₦400,000, now go for ₦600,000–₦750,000. Of the 150 rams he brought in, only 15 had been sold due to price concerns.

    Buyers React

Many potential buyers are reconsidering their options. Mrs. Rukayya Abdullahi and her husband opted to buy three chickens instead of a ram. Civil servant Mr. Bayo Olabisi noted that most workers can’t afford rams this year. He shared that a ram he bought for ₦150,000 in 2024 now costs ₦250,000, leading him to purchase food items instead.

Olabisi emphasized that religious teachings advise against borrowing for sacrificial animals, especially if it causes financial strain.

  Lagos and Ogun State

Similar price hikes were reported in Ibafo, Kara (Ogun State), and Agege (Lagos). Traders said that in 2024, rams sold for as low as ₦150,000, but this year, the minimum price is ₦250,000. Rams that were ₦50,000 are now ₦100,000, and those at ₦350,000 last year are selling for ₦500,000 and above.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

tokinpoint.com