By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad
Prices of livestock have fairly dropped in the ancient city of Kaduna as Sallah festival draws nearer, our correspondent gathered.
A survey by Our online newspapers thenorthernstar.ng in livestock markets across Kaduna metropolis shows that markets are well stocked with rams, but buyer turnout remains low ahead of the Sallah celebration.
At Zango, Rigasa, and Bashama Road markets, small-sized rams are selling for between N150,000 and N250,000. Medium and large-sized rams range from N300,000 to N1 million, depending on breed and size.
Residents who spoke to Our reporter said the prices are higher than in previous years and have become difficult for many families to afford.
Abdulrahman Usman, a buyer at Zango market, said he was concerned about the rising cost while negotiating for a ram. He added that he was hopeful prices would drop closer to the festival.
Ibrahim Lawal, a civil servant shopping at Bashama Road market, said he had postponed his purchase because of the current economic situation. He noted that many households are managing other financial responsibilities ahead of the celebration.
“We are hoping that traders may reduce prices as the festival draws nearer,” Lawal said.
Livestock dealer Alhaji Suleiman Adamu of Rigasa market blamed the hike on high transportation costs, animal feeding expenses, and insecurity along livestock supply routes. He said the cost of maintaining the rams before sale has also increased.
“Most traders are not making the expected profit because of the high operational costs,” Adamu explained.
Another seller, Nasiru Ibrahim, said temporary ram markets have appeared in different parts of Kaduna as traders move around residential areas and display animals in front of homes and shops to attract buyers.
Dealer Bilyaminu Musa, who sources rams from Niger, said he has been supplying premium customers for nearly 10 years. Of the 40 rams he brought, 14 had been sold, with the smallest priced at N350,000 and the largest at N700,000.
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