As Nigerians prepare for the 2025 Eid al-Adha festivities, the traditional joy of the Ileya festival is being dampened by an unprecedented surge in ram prices, the central element of the sacrificial rites.
Some ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday attributed the high cost of rams to insecurity and low supply from the North West.
The traders, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a market survey in Abuja, said the low supply was also due to the closure of Nigeria’s borders.
A livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei livestock market, Ahmed Mai-Samari, told NAN that rams supplied to major cities were far below expectations compared to 2024, especially from neighbouring countries.
“You know we mostly get these animals from Niger and other nearby countries that share borders with us in the North, especially the moderately sized ones.
“Now, we have to rely solely on local supply from household livestock farmers, which is limited.
“Many traders have even left the business for more profitable ventures,” he said.
He noted that the price of rams had doubled compared to 2025, attributing this to rising transportation costs and the overall cost of living.
“A ram that sold for N200, 000 in 2024 now goes for N400, 000. Only the rich can afford it now.
“Prices vary depending on size: smaller rams cost between N150,000 and N190,000, medium ones go for N200,000 to N250,000, while large rams range from N350,000 to as much as N1 million,” he explained.
Similarly, roadside livestock trader in Dutse, Jigawa State, Sanusi Abdua said ram prices ranged from N200, 000 to N700, 000.
He added that sourcing the animals locally had been stressful and costly due to limited access from Niger Republic, likely caused by ongoing political tensions.
“I and my boys had to go from village to village across different states, gather the rams, and transport them here. It hasn’t been easy,” he said.
On sales, Abdullahi revealed he had sold only seven out of about 120 rams in two days, though he remained hopeful of selling at least half before Sallah, even at minimal profit.
In Bwari, another roadside trader, Mustapha Aminu, popularly known as “Biggie,” also lamented low patronage, blaming it on inflation and economic hardship.
According to him, while many Muslims wish to participate in the Eid el-Kabir sacrifice, most can no longer afford it.
“Even though the cheapest ram at my stand goes for N100, 000, only a few people have bought so far. This time last year, I had sold nearly all my stock.
“Things were tough then too but this year is worse. Still, we hope sales will pick up closer to Sallah,” he said.
Meanwhile, a buyer in Bwari, Hameed Raji, said he had opted for a goat instead of a ram due to the high cost.
He explained that he bought an average-sized goat for N70, 000, which he planned to slaughter for his family and friends.
Similarly, Rukayya Abdullahi said she and her husband chose to buy and slaughter three big chickens at N20, 000 each instead of a ram.
“This will not only serve our visitors but also save us from borrowing money to buy a ram.
“By Allah’s grace, we hope to afford a ram next year,” she said.
Also, a visit to Kara Market, a prominent livestock hub along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, reveals a stark reality: many families are unable to afford even the smallest ram and are leaving empty-handed.
“Last year, I sold this size for N300,000. Today, if you don’t have N500, 000, you can’t even touch it. I am even shocked at the price. But feed costs, transport, everything has doubled!” said Abdullahi Musa, a veteran ram seller at Kara.
According to a report by Smartpreneur, price comparisons from 2024 to 2025 reveal alarming inflation.
Large rams, which cost between N180,000 and N350,000 in 2024, are now priced at over N1 million in 2025 — an increase of at least 185%, and in some cases up to 455%.
Medium-sized rams, previously sold for N180,000 to N400,000, now range from N600,000 to N800,000, marking a 100% to 333% rise.
Small rams, once the most affordable at N100,000 to N190,000, are now selling for between N200,000 and N500,000 — a 100% to 400% increase.
In short, whatever one paid for a ram last year, expect to pay double, triple, or even more this year — one of the steepest year-on-year Eid price hikes in Nigerian history.
Consequently, many households are reconsidering traditional celebrations.
“Ram or rent, I can’t afford both,” lamented Mr Segun, a father of four from Agege.
“My children ask why there’s no ram this year, but I explain we’ll pray and eat rice, and that’s enough,” he added.
Others are turning to more affordable alternatives such as goats, chickens, or shared cows.
Experts attribute the soaring prices to a combination of economic and security challenges.
Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 23.71% as of April 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Rising fuel prices have increased transport costs, pushing up livestock prices.
Banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have disrupted supply chains across the North.
“We don’t have enough supply because herders are afraid to move. Some were attacked last month in Niger State,” said Usman Tanimu, a livestock merchant from Zamfara.
Traders at Kara Market report that new waves of middlemen are exacerbating the crisis by hoarding rams in urban pens to inflate prices.
“The new players keep animals in warehouses and wait until the last minute to sell,” said Mallam Abdullahi, a long-time seller.
Faced with these pressures, many Nigerians are scaling back their festivities.
“We used to slaughter two rams and cook for the whole street. This year, it’s boiled yam and stew,” said Bello Akinwale, a father of five from Ogun State.
In response to skyrocketing prices, many Muslims are adopting alternative ways to observe Eid al-Adha.
Group sacrifices, where several families pool resources to buy and share a cow, have become popular, significantly reducing individual costs.
Some communities pool funds months in advance to purchase livestock in bulk before prices rise, helping to mitigate inflation.
Others opt for more affordable substitutes such as goats and chickens.
Meanwhile, a growing number of families are embracing a “Silent Sallah,” choosing to scale back on lavish celebrations, large meals, and gift-giving.
Despite high prices, many traders report declining sales.
“I’ve sold only five rams this week. By now, I should be on my third truck,” said Ismaila Yakubu, another Kara seller.
“Customers are frustrated, but we are suffering too. Returning with unsold animals means a total loss.”
Despite the hardship, many Muslims affirm that the core values of Eid — sacrifice, compassion, and faith — must remain central.
Eid el-Kabir is celebrated globally by Muslim faithful and involves the slaughter of rams as part of worship, symbolising sacrifice and sharing meals with loved ones.