Muslims and traders in Ibadan have expressed concern over the sharp increase in the price of rams as Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) approaches.
Buyers and sellers interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the situation as troubling. Buyers complained that their purchasing power is weak, while sellers said sales have been disappointing despite the high prices.
One ram seller, Mallam Abdullah Saleh, noted that although prices are high, some people are still buying, but not at the expected level. He added that many of the current buyers are salaried workers who have not yet received their pay. He expressed hope that sales would improve as the festival draws nearer.
Another seller, Malam Salisu Abass, attributed the price increase to rising petrol costs, which have made transportation from northern Nigeria more expensive. He explained that “A trailer load of rams from Bornu to Oyo State used to cost between N600,000 and N700,000, but now, it is between N1.8 million and N2 million.” He added that this cost is spread across the animals being transported, making prices even higher for buyers.
A customer who asked to remain anonymous said, “No matter how cheap the rams are, the people’s purchasing power is weak.” He explained that the economy is difficult and many people are struggling financially, with some only buying to meet family expectations.
Another buyer, Mr AbdulKarim Oyedele, said he discovered at the market that he needed an additional ₦100,000 to afford the ram he wanted. He said, “The N100,000 I have with me is obviously not enough to buy me one.”
An Islamic scholar, Alhaji Afeez Adegoke, encouraged Muslims to consider raising sheep, goats, and cows locally to reduce dependence on animals transported from the North and to help control seasonal price hikes.
Market surveys in Ibadan showed that ram prices have risen sharply compared to last year. Small rams now sell for ₦200,000 to ₦250,000, medium ones for ₦300,000 to ₦400,000, and larger ones for ₦500,000 to ₦900,000. In addition, other food items have also seen price fluctuations, with rice increasing, while tomato prices have dropped.
Overall, both buyers and sellers agree that the current economic situation is making Sallah preparations more difficult for many families.