As Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha, livestock sellers in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria, remain hopeful despite rising prices and a slow start in sales, expressing optimism that market activity will pick up as the festive season approaches.
Eid-El-Kabir, one of Islam’s two major religious festivals, involves the ritual sacrifice of animals such as rams, goats, cows, or camels, an act that commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
With the festival set to begin in a few hours, many livestock markets in Kano are reporting a sharp increase in animal prices, making it difficult for many buyers to afford the sacrifices.
Speaking to Voice of Nigeria (VON), the Chairman of the Hotoro-ARTV Ram Market, Ibrahim Sani, said this year’s animal sales are significantly lower compared to previous years.
Sales are very slow this year. Prices have nearly doubled compared to last year. A ram that sold for ₦200,000 last year now goes for ₦350,000 or even ₦400,000. These increases are scaring away customers,” he said.
Sani attributed the price hike largely to the rising cost of animal feed.
“We used to buy a measure of feed for ₦200, but it now sells for ₦600,” he added.
Buyers are also feeling the pinch.
One prospective customer, Muhammad Raji, expressed shock at the market rates.
“I came to look at cattle, but the prices are outrageous — ₦1.5 million, ₦1.9 million, even ₦2.5 million. I’m still searching for something affordable,” he said.
Some cattle dealers lamented that they’ve gone days without making a single sale, though they remain hopeful that business will pick up before the festival concludes.
Despite the economic challenges, many Muslims are still striving to fulfil their religious obligation, which underscores devotion, obedience, and sacrifice.