Just days before Eid-el-Kabir, Katsina’s Mai’adua livestock market tells a paradoxical story: ram prices have plummeted by 30% despite a shortage caused by Niger’s export ban. While dealers blame cross-border restrictions and 2024 floods in Niger, Nigerians’ thinning wallets appear to be the real hurdle.
- Large rams dropped from ₦1.7M to ₦1.2M; medium-sized ones now under ₦700K.
- Military authorities blocked livestock exports after deadly floods decimated herds.
- Nigerian dealers report seized animals at borders, worsening supply gaps.
- Even with fewer rams, buyers are scarce, a sign of Nigeria’s economic squeeze.
- Nigeria still exports food (rice, maize) to Niger despite the livestock stalemate.
Should Nigeria prioritize local ram production over imports, or is regional trade vital for price stability? For northern families, rams symbolize Eid’s spirit, but this year, many may settle for chickens or communal shares.
