As Sallah approaches, Nigerian ram sellers face low patronage due to economic challenges, insecurity, and high transportation costs. Ram prices have surged significantly, with medium-size rams now costing between N110,000 and N120,000 compared to N70,000 last year. Both sellers and buyers express concern over the escalating costs.
As the countdown to Sallah festivities narrows, ram sellers across the country are currently grappling with a disturbing trend of low patronage. Their voices showed frustration and worry as they attributed the slow patronage to a combination of economic challenges, a spate of insecurity, and transportation costs for the animals sourced from northern Nigeria.
Our correspondents who spoke with some ram sellers in Ogun, Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Sokoto states observed that the prices of the rams ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration have surged significantly compared to previous years.
A cattle trader, Ibrahim Yusuf, explained that a big ram was sold between N500,000 and N700,000 with the least sold for N250,000. He attributed the high prices to insecurity in the North, which has affected the supply of rams.
Similarly, in Kasuwar Shanu, Bauchi State, Olaniyi Musa claimed that the inflation in the country also affected animal prices, noting that compared to last festival season, the price of animals has skyrocketed. Buyers bemoaned the increased cost of the rams, with one buyer, Hassan Ismail, noting that a medium-size ram that was sold for about N70,000 last year is now between N110,000 and N120,000.
Meanwhile, sellers expressed concern over the low turnout of buyers this year, attributing it to the economic situation and traditions in Bauchi State.
In summary, as Sallah approaches, the surge in ram prices has significantly impacted both sellers and buyers, highlighting the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Source: Punch
