Ram prices surge by 55%, Traders decry low patronage ahead of Eid-El-Kabir

BY –  Ineh Immanuella and Adekola Zinatullah.

With the Eid-El-Kabir celebration fast approaching, ram traders in major markets across Lagos and Ogun states, including Kara , Ibafo, and Agege, are expressing significant concern over drastically low patronage.

They attribute this alarming trend to a steep 55% surge in ram prices and the prevailing economic hardship gripping the nation.

Speaking with National Daily Newspaper correspondents on Wednesday, several traders revealed that this year’s sales have fallen far below expectations compared to last year, despite ample stock.

“If you were here last year, the market would be buzzing by now. Today, we just sit around. Sales are very slow,” lamented Idris Sulaimon, a trader at Ibafo market.

He stated that rams that sold for ₦130,000 to ₦190,000 last year now command prices between ₦220,000 and ₦270,000.

Sanni blamed this substantial price hike on the soaring cost of transportation and the challenges of sourcing rams from Northern Nigeria, which has been compounded by insecurity and the Niger government’s export ban on livestock.

Malami Garba , another seller, echoed these concerns, emphasizing transportation costs as a primary driver of the price surge. “Customers are complaining. Unlike previous years, we don’t have a crowd. Only a few buyers show up,” he said.

The atmosphere at the Agege Abattoir was similarly subdued. Mustapha Aliyu , a trader there, noted that rams previously sold at ₦350,000 are now priced as high as ₦500,000.

“Normally, by Tuesday before Sallah, the market would be packed. But this year, it’s empty,” he lamented. Abu Muhammed, another trader, pointed to the rising cost of animal feed as a significant factor. “Feeds are expensive, and it affects the final price. People just can’t afford these rams anymore,” he said, adding that much of his stock remains unsold.

Some traders observed that many buyers are only purchasing rams due to religious obligation rather than affordability. “They’re buying not because they can afford it, but because Sallah requires it,” one unnamed seller remarked.

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At Kara market along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, trader Mutiu Mujaidu  confirmed the dismal trend. “We have plenty of rams, but people are not buying. The cheapest ram now costs ₦250,000, and we even have rams selling for ₦1 million. Last year, you could find a good ram for ₦150,000.” Despite the low sales, Mutiu commended the government for efficiently managing traffic around the Kara market area, noting, “This year, the road is clear, and there’s no congestion. We appreciate the local and state authorities.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has assured residents of safety during the festive season. The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, told National Daily Newspaper that the government is collaborating with security agencies to protect lives and property. “The government does not control market prices—that’s a function of demand and supply. Our focus is on safety and smooth celebration,” Akinmade stated.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays for the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

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