The Lagos State Butchers Association has expressed concern over the steady rise in cattle prices, which have climbed to as much as ₦2.5 million from about ₦1.7 million in 2025.
The association’s Patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, shared this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos, linking the increase to insecurity, higher transport costs, and delays in local ranching plans.
“Cows that sold for about N1.7 million last year are now sold for between N2.3 million and N2.4 million. There was even a time a cow was priced at N2.5 million in the market,” he said.
He noted that the rising cost has put serious pressure on both butchers and consumers, with many traders struggling to stay afloat.
“The car I bought in 2020 for N2.1 million is now cheaper than the price of a cow. That shows how costly cows have become,” he said.
Kazeem added that cows priced at N1 million are now rare in the market.
“If you see a cow of N1 million now, you will be surprised. What we complained about last year is child’s play compared to the current prices,” he said.
He explained that insecurity affecting livestock movement and the recent increase in fuel prices have reduced supply and driven up costs.
“The supply has reduced because of insecurity in the country and, most recently, the increase in fuel pump price, which has made the cost of transportation skyrocket,” he said.
He also pointed out that rising diesel and petrol prices have worsened logistics challenges, especially for cattle brought in from northern Nigeria, which remains the main supply source for Lagos.
Kazeem said local production has not been able to meet demand because planned feedlot and ranching programmes in the state are yet to begin.
“The local producers are not meeting demand because the feedlots and ranching programme of the state government have not started yet. We still depend largely on suppliers from the northern states,” he said.
He called on the government to fast track the Eko Ranching project in Gbodu, Epe, noting that it would boost local supply, cut transport costs, and reduce meat prices.
“The gains of the ranch are enormous. It will provide job opportunities for our teeming youths and probably bring down the cost of meat,” he said.