The soaring cost of rams ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration has become a major concern for many Muslim families in Kano State, as prices of sacrificial animals now range between N150,000 and over N700,000 depending on size and breed.
A survey conducted at major livestock markets such as Goron Dutse, Gandun Albasa, Naibawa, Hotoro and Kofar Nai’sa in Kano revealed that traders stocked large numbers of animals for the Sallah season, but patronage remains very low because many buyers can no longer afford the prices.
According to Bashir Sule-Dantsoho, chairman of the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State, small rams are currently sold for between N150,000 and N200,000, medium-sized rams cost between N350,000 and N500,000, while large rams now sell for N700,000 and above. Some larger breeds reportedly cost as high as N1.3 million in some markets.
Traders blamed the sharp increase in prices on the rising cost of animal feed, transportation expenses, fuel price hikes, insecurity affecting livestock movement, and harsh economic conditions across the country.
Many residents said the high prices may prevent them from performing the traditional Eid sacrifice this year. Some families are now considering contributing money together to buy cows or camels instead of purchasing individual rams.
One livestock seller at Naibawa market, Ibrahim Yunusa, said patronage has dropped drastically despite the availability of animals, noting that only a few wealthy people can comfortably buy rams this year.
The development comes as Nigerians continue to battle inflation and increasing living costs ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration scheduled for later this week.