Ram sellers across Nigeria are facing tough times with sharply reduced patronage despite record-high prices, some of which have crossed ththN1 million mark.
A market survey by TheCable in parts of Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed that both buyers and sellers are feeling the sting of Nigeria’s economic hardship.
Murtala Abdullahi, a Lagos-based buyer, expressed shock at the price surge.
“Last year, I bought two rams for N500,000. This year, one costs N500,000, the other N700,000. The price is crazy, but what can we do? It’s the Nigerian economy,” he said.
In Abuja’s Kugbo livestock market, some premium rams are now going for N1 million and above. Yet, sellers say customers are fewer than usual.
“Last year, this place was packed, and big buyers bought up to 100 rams,” said Shamsudeen Lawal, a ram trader. “Now, they’re buying 30 or 50 at most. There’s no money in circulation.”
Lawal also pointed to the country’s heavy reliance on livestock imports from neighbouring countries—particularly Niger Republic—as a contributing factor.
He said border closures and trade disruptions have led to supply issues, further pushing prices beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
Many faithful are now being forced to either scale down their purchases or explore alternative options due to the biting inflation and dwindling household incomes.
