Soaring Ram Prices Force Nigerians to Downsize Eid al-Adha Celebrations

As Nigerians gear up for the 2025 Eid al-Adha festivities, the spirit of celebration is being tempered by a dramatic spike in ram prices — a key component of the religious sacrifice.

A visit to Kara Market, a major livestock center along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, paints a troubling picture. Many families are leaving without making purchases, unable to afford even the smallest ram.

“Last year, this size was N300,000. Today, if you don’t have N500,000, you can’t even touch it,” said Abdullahi Musa, a seasoned ram trader. “Feed, transport — everything has doubled.”

From Livestock to Luxury: Price Surge Hits Record Levels

A report by Smartpreneur reveals alarming year-on-year inflation in livestock prices:

• Large rams (2024: N180,000–N350,000) now sell for over N1 million — a 185% to 455% increase.

• Medium-sized rams (2024: N180,000–N400,000) now cost N600,000–N800,000, a 100% to 333% rise.

• Small rams, once priced at N100,000–N190,000, are now N200,000–N500,000 — up by 100% to 400%.

In short, this year’s prices have doubled or tripled, marking one of the sharpest price jumps in recent history.

Ram or Rent? Families Reconsider Sallah Traditions

The skyrocketing costs have left many households choosing between ritual sacrifice and basic living expenses.

“Ram or rent — I can’t afford both,” said Mr Segun, a father of four in Agege. “We’ll pray and eat rice, and that’s enough.”

Some families are opting for goats, chickens, or group cow purchases to manage costs.

What’s Driving the Spike?

The price surge is linked to multiple economic and security challenges:

• Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 23.71% in April 2025 (NBS).

• Fuel price hikes have pushed up transport costs.

• Banditry and herder-farmer clashes are disrupting livestock movement, especially from northern regions.

“We don’t have enough supply. Herders fear for their lives. Some were attacked just last month in Niger,” explained Usman Tanimu, a merchant from Zamfara.

Hoarding and Price Manipulation Raise Concerns

Sellers at Kara Market blame new middlemen for hoarding rams to drive up prices.

“They keep rams in urban warehouses and release them close to Sallah,” said Mallam Abdullahi, a veteran trader.

Scaling Back: A Quieter Eid

Faced with tough choices, many families are simplifying their celebrations.

“We used to slaughter two rams and feed the entire street. This year, we’ll manage with boiled yam and stew,” said Bello Akinwale, a father of five in Ogun State.

In response, Nigerians are adapting with:

• Shared sacrifices (e.g. joint cow purchases)

• Early bulk buying

• Substituting rams with goats or poultry

• Embracing the concept of a “Silent Sallah” — minimal celebrations and emphasis on prayer.

Sellers Not Immune to the Crisis

Despite high prices, many traders report poor sales.

“I’ve sold only five rams this week. Normally I’d be on my third truck,” said Ismaila Yakubu, another Kara seller. “Buyers are frustrated, but we’re also hurting. Unsold stock means total loss.”

Amid these challenges, many Muslims emphasize that faith, sacrifice, and compassion — not extravagance — remain the heart of Eid al-Adha.