ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-As Muslims prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the prices of rams have risen sharply in Kaduna State, forcing many prospective buyers to postpone purchases despite the availability of the animals in major markets.
A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria in some livestock markets within Kaduna metropolis showed that the markets were well stocked with rams, although patronage remained low.
At Zango, Rigasa and Bashama Road markets, small-sized rams sold for between N150,000 and N250,000, while medium and large-sized rams ranged from N300,000 to as much as N1 million, depending on their breed and size.
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Some residents who spoke in an interview described the prices as beyond the reach of many buyers compared to previous years.
One of the buyers, Abdulrahman Usman, who was seen bargaining for a ram at Zango market, expressed concern over the rising prices of the animals.
Usman, however, said he was optimistic that prices might drop as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Another customer at Bashama Road market, Ibrahim Lawal, a civil servant, said he had delayed buying a ram because of the current economic situation.
“There are many responsibilities to meet ahead of the celebration. Buying a ram at the current price is difficult for many families.
“We are hoping that traders may reduce prices as the festival draws nearer,” he said.
A livestock dealer at Rigasa market, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, linked the increase in prices to the high cost of transportation, feeding, and insecurity affecting livestock supply routes.
According to him, the rising cost of maintaining the animals has also contributed to the price hike.
“We spend more on transportation, feeding and medication for the rams before they are sold.
“Most traders are not making the expected profit because of the high operational costs,” he said.
Another seller, Nasiru Ibrahim, said temporary ram markets had sprung up in different parts of Kaduna metropolis as traders intensified efforts to attract buyers.
He said some traders now move around residential areas with rams in search of customers, while others display the animals in front of homes and shops.
“The rams are available, but many people are finding it difficult to afford them because of the current economic realities,” Ibrahim said.
Another livestock dealer, Bilyaminu Musa, said he sources rams from Niger for his customers.
“I have been doing this for close to 10 years, I bring rams for my premium customers who know the worth of the rams,” Musa said.
He noted that out of the 40 rams he brought, 14 had already been sold.
Asked about the prices of the smallest and biggest rams, he said the smallest cost N350,000 while the biggest sold for N700,000.
NAN reports that ram sellers have started occupying several corners across Kaduna metropolis in search of buyers ahead of the festive season.
(NAN)