Abundance of Unsold Livestock after Eid-el-Kabir : Skyrocketing Livestock Prices Leave Markets Full

 

 As the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, livestock markets across the country tell a paradoxical story—pens full of rams and cows, but few buyers to be found. While tradition calls for sacrifice, harsh economic realities have left many Nigerians unable to participate in this vital aspect of the festival.

Across major livestock markets in Lagos and northern Nigeria, the abundance of unsold rams is not a result of oversupply, but under-demand driven by widespread economic hardship. Vendors who once made brisk sales are now counting their losses as buyers struggle to cope with rising prices and dwindling purchasing power.

Mohammed Madawaki, an economist with the Department of Banking and Finance at the University of Maiduguri, painted a bleak picture during a recent phone interview. “The markets are not empty because of lack of animals. Rams and cows are everywhere. The problem is, people simply can’t afford them,” he said.

Compared to previous years, the cost of livestock has more than doubled, leaving even middle-class families scrambling for alternatives. Madawaki pointed out that just a few years ago, a standard ram sold between N100,000 and N150,000. Today, that same ram could cost anywhere between N450,000 and N600,000—if not more.

He noted that what used to be an attainable religious obligation has now become a luxury. “It’s not about the willingness to buy. It’s about capability. Most people can’t stretch their finances that far,” he said.

The economic pressures are not just theoretical. Musa Adamu, a livestock dealer at the NEPA Bus Stop market in Ejigbo, Lagos, offered a grim confirmation of the trend. Sales are slow, he said, and many would-be buyers have turned to more affordable alternatives like goats or chickens. Some are even pooling resources to buy a single ram.

“Small rams are now going for N200,000 to N400,000. Medium ones are between N450,000 and N600,000. Large rams start from N600,000, and we’ve seen some go as high as N1.2 million,” Adamu revealed. He added that despite having healthy and well-fed animals, many have remained unsold.

The situation underscores broader concerns about inflation, weakened currency value, and the rising cost of living. Mr. Madawaki urged the federal government to provide more support for critical sectors such as agriculture and energy. According to him, reducing the cost of rearing livestock could eventually translate into lower market prices.

“When you subsidise agriculture, farmers and herders don’t spend as much to feed and raise animals,” he explained. “Also, energy prices directly impact transportation and business operations. Lowering fuel and electricity costs will help reduce overheads, and that could make these animals more affordable for ordinary Nigerians.”

The economic strain has redefined how people approach Eid. For many, the act of sacrifice is now symbolic, rather than physical. Balogun Aielegun, a Lagos-based businessman, admitted that he couldn’t afford a ram on his own this year. He joined forces with four friends to collectively purchase one for N500,000.

“It wasn’t ideal,” Aielegun said. “We barely had enough meat to share with our families and neighbours. But this celebration is too significant to ignore, so we just did our best.”

Markets that used to see crowds in the days leading up to Eid are now comparatively deserted. Sellers are becoming increasingly anxious, fearing that they may be forced to sell their livestock at a loss or return home with unsold animals.

Beyond the markets, the cultural and religious implications are significant. Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is not only a religious duty but also a deeply communal celebration. Families and communities traditionally come together to slaughter livestock and share meat with relatives, friends, and those in need. With many unable to participate this year, the social fabric of the holiday has also been impacted.

The challenges reflect a larger economic narrative facing many Nigerians today—one where traditions, values, and necessities are all subject to affordability. Until structural changes are made to reduce the cost of living and improve access to resources, celebrations like Eid-el-Kabir may continue to be out of reach for the average citizen.