Lagos, Nigeria – As the highly anticipated Eid-el-Adha (Sallah) arrives, ram traders are expressing concern over the low patronage
they are experiencing. This comes amidst a significant surge in the cost of rams across different markets in Nigeria, leaving customers dissatisfied with the hiked prices.
According to a market survey conducted by Naturenews, rams are currently being sold for prices ranging from N80,000 to N500,000, depending on factors such as size, type, and market. This considerable
increase in prices has sparked complaints from Muslim faithful, who fear that they may be unable to afford a ram for the celebration.
The impact of the soaring prices is evident in the livestock markets, leading to a remarkable decrease in patronage compared to previous years when last-minute shoppers would flood the markets to purchase rams and other essential items.
A visit to various Ram sales location in Lagos, shows the current state of inflation in the country is taking serious toll on people as a lot complain of being forced to miss offering the sacrifice this year, due to the surge in price of Rams.
Ram trader, Ahmad Suleiman who complained of low patronage, speculated
that the situation might be attributed to delayed salary payments, as many salary earners have yet to receive their salaries for the month.
He also acknowledged the fact that surge in prices have also contributed to the low patronage, but explained that they, who trade the commodity do not arbitrarily fix the prices but are compelled to consider various factors, including the cost of transportation from the north to Lagos.
Musa Idris, another trader in Ajah, showcased his livestock selection, emphasizing the prices of rams. He revealed that the cheapest ram available is priced at N100,000, while prices for others range from N120,000 to N500,000, depending on customer preference. Similar price hikes were observed at the livestock market in Ibeju Lekki and Epe axis of Lagos State.
The cost of a small-size ram, which sold for about N60 – 70,000 the previous year, now stands at N100,000. The largest rams are priced between N300,000 and N500,000, with medium-sized rams falling within the range of N150,000 to N290,000.
Aside costs and transportation, the traders also emphasized that caring for the rams until they are sold, including feeding and
veterinary care also factor in the final cost of the animal product due to the increase in prices of animal feeds.
The exorbitant prices of rams have posed challenges for Muslim faithful, hindering their ability to acquire rams at affordable rates or in the desired sizes.
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Tolulope Bolaji, a potential buyer, expressed frustration with the “outrageous prices” and the doubling of prices compared to the
previous year, as he bargains after encountering high prices at the market.
“I have just been going from one market to the other, I’m just tired, things are just going up and salaries have not increased. I am pricing a medium-sized ram, they are telling me N290,000. Something I bought N190,000 last year.”
In the midst of the concerns surrounding ram prices, the Federal Government had declared Wednesday and Thursday, June 28 and 29, as public holidays for the Eid-il-Kabir celebration.
Muslim faithfuls sacrifice animals, preferably rams, on Eid ul-Adha as part of the religious observance and commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This significant event is mentioned in both the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the Bible.
The story, known as the “Story of Ibrahim” or “Story of Abraham,” narrates that God commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael in biblical accounts). Prophet Ibrahim, demonstrating unwavering faith, prepared to carry out the command.
However, just as he was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, which was sacrificed in his place.
Muslims worldwide commemorate this story and the profound act of obedience and faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim by performing the act of sacrifice during Eid ul-Adha. It is seen as a way of expressing
devotion to God and gratitude for His blessings. The sacrificed animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, represents the
willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of God.
The act of sacrifice is carried out following specific religious guidelines. The animal must meet specific criteria, including being of a certain age and in good health. It is slaughtered with a sharp knife while reciting the name of God, and the meat is then divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining one-third is kept for the family.
The distribution of the meat to the less fortunate is an essential aspect of Eid ul-Adha, promoting the spirit of charity, compassion, and sharing among the community. It allows everyone, regardless of their financial means, to partake in the joy and blessings of the occasion.
Overall, the sacrifice of animals during Eid ul-Adha is a religious practice that symbolizes devotion, obedience, and gratitude to God, as well as a reminder of the values of generosity and caring for those in need within the Muslim community.
