By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
Rising economic hardship and soaring livestock prices are threatening to overshadow the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, with many Muslim faithful across the Federal Capital Territory expected to forgo the traditional purchase of rams as prices climb to as high as N1.3 million.
Findings by ThisNigeria revealed that the sharp increase in the cost of sacrificial animals has forced many families to consider cheaper alternatives such as goats, chickens and shared cow portions ahead of the annual Islamic festival.
A survey of major ram markets in Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Airport Road and Gwarinpa showed unprecedented price increases, leaving many prospective buyers visibly frustrated and worried over their inability to fulfil what is regarded as a major religious obligation during Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah.
Checks indicated that small rams now sell between N200,000 and N300,000, medium-sized breeds cost between N350,000 and N500,000, while large and premium rams go for between N600,000 and N1.3 million, depending on size, breed and health condition.
Several traders and buyers attributed the spike to worsening inflation, insecurity in livestock-producing regions, rising transportation costs and the continued depreciation of the naira.
The situation, according to market operators, has drastically reduced patronage compared with previous years, as many households struggle to cope with rising food prices, high transportation fares, and declining purchasing power.
*Traders blame inflation, insecurity, weak naira for price spike
One livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei market, who identified himself as Musa Ibrahim, said the current economic realities have made ram trading difficult for both sellers and buyers.
“People come to the market, ask for prices, and quietly leave because they cannot afford the animals anymore. This year is very difficult,” he said.
“Transportation alone is a serious problem. Moving rams from the North to Abuja now costs far more than before because of fuel prices and insecurity on the roads.”
A Muslim cleric at the Zuba Central Mosque, Alhaji Wasiu Kadiri, blamed the development on a combination of inflation, supply shortages and border restrictions affecting livestock imports into Nigeria.
“The high cost of transportation, expensive animal feeds, inflation and shortage of supply are all contributing to the rise in prices,” Kadiri told ThisNigeria.
“Nigeria gets a significant number of its livestock from neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon. Once there are border disruptions or export restrictions, scarcity immediately sets in, and prices rise sharply.”
He added that insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria has further worsened the situation.
“Banditry and kidnappings have disrupted supply routes. Many dealers are afraid of transporting animals through dangerous roads because of attacks and extortion,” he said.
Another trader, Alhaji Adamu Sule, linked the development to the weak naira and mounting operational costs.
“The depreciation of the naira has affected everything. Feeding, veterinary care, labour and logistics are all more expensive now,” he said.
“What used to cost little to transport now costs almost double. That burden eventually falls on the buyer.”
*Experts advise faithful to embrace spiritual essence of Eid
Despite the economic pressure, Islamic scholars and economists have urged Muslims not to lose sight of the spiritual significance of Eid-el-Kabir.
Professor of Economics, Sheriffdeen Tella, advised faithful to embrace flexibility and avoid placing themselves under financial strain in an attempt to purchase expensive rams.
“If a ram is financially beyond someone’s reach, Islam permits the sacrifice of goats, sheep or cows,” Tella explained.
“Families can also contribute collectively to buy a cow and share it. The essence of Eid is not extravagance but sacrifice, obedience and devotion to Allah.”
He warned against borrowing money merely to satisfy social expectations during the celebration.
“The real lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is piety and submission to God, not competition over the size or cost of the animal,” he stressed.
“People should avoid unnecessary loans or financial pressure simply to impress others.”
Eid-el-Kabir commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command and remains one of the most significant festivals in Islam.
However, with Nigeria’s inflationary crisis continuing to erode household incomes, many Muslim families may celebrate this year’s festival on a far more modest scale, reflecting the deepening economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
