Poor economy affects ram sales as Muslims shun buying animals in run-up to Eid

RAM sales have plummeted across Nigeria in the run-up to the Eid al-Adha festive celebrations as many Muslims have been forced to forgo the annual ritual of killing livestock to mark the occasion.

 

Traditionally, millions of Nigerian Muslims buy and slaughter rams to mark the occasion and share it out among their neighbours but the economy in a bad state at the moment, many have had to pass on it. It appears that many Nigerians are giving school fees priority over the festivities, relegating celebrations to the background.

 

With the naira in free fall and inflation soaring, few Nigerians can escape the country’s economic troubles. Livestock traders and buyers said the sale of rams for the annual festival of sacrifice have dropped sharply compared with last year, as Nigerians look to prioritise spending.

 

Ibrahim Shuaibu, a ram trader at the Hauren Shanu livestock market on the outskirts of Kano, said: “Sales have stalled. Last year by this time I had sold more than 30 rams but I have so far sold not more than four this season.”

 

Nigeria's wealthy often buy several rams to distribute and the run-up to the festival is normally the busiest time of year for livestock traders. However, this year, that practise appears to have totally stopped.

 

Ram vendor Abubakar Ibrahim, who operates at Kano’s Hotoro market, said: “One person would come and buy 50 rams at once to distribute as gifts to people. However, up till now not a single person has bought five rams at a go from this market.”

 

A ram typically costs between N30,000 and N70,000 depending on size. Traders have slashed prices to attract buyers but with little effect.