As Muslims prepare for celebrations across the country, the prices of rams, foodstuffs and other essential commodities have suddenly skyrocketed.
Muslims are getting ready for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, during which animal sacrifices are performed as part of the religious rites.
In Kaduna State, several markets visited during the survey showed that while there were many rams, goats and chickens for sale, prices had increased beyond expectations. But the price of these animals varies according to size and many prospective buyers complained of the hike in prices.
For instance, rams are sold between N300,000 and N1 million in some markets like the Central Market, depending on their sizes.
Even though Muslims sometimes use chickens when they cannot afford to buy rams, the prices of chickens have also risen marginally. A three-month-old chicken now sells between N20,000 and N30,000, while a bag of rice rose to N80,000 as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
In an interview, Alhaji Bulama, Senior Manager of the Rams Sellers Association, stated that the prices went up as a result of lack of rams, and insecurity that has rendered many families homeless across the country.
“Many families, especially those who rear animals in local villages, have abandoned their homes due to attacks by insurgents. They don’t rear animals any more. Nowadays only a few people are keeping animals. “The cost of feeding these animals is again very high,” he said.
Also, Mallam Musa Adamu, a seller of various animals at Television Market said the cost of transporting the animals is extremely high which has made the increase in prices necessary.
“Because of insecurity, it has continued across the Northern region and residents cannot rear household animals. So we buy these animals and transport them from far distances. “They are expensive because the transportation cost is added to the selling price,” he said.
But Dr. Musa, who has vowed to slaughter a ram this season, said he would buy one no matter the cost, adding that “as Muslims, slaughtering an animal is a necessity, though not compulsory. “It depends on the size of your pocket,” he said.
I have resolved to kill a ram this season, at any cost, for I planned it long ago.
“I advise all our Muslim brothers to be careful in the celebration and pay for what they can afford. They should not borrow money to celebrate with. Sallah is once a year, so if they miss it this year, maybe they can make it next year.
