Ram traders in Kano are worried. Buyers aren't showing up despite plenty of animals available, just days before Eid-el-Kabir.
Muslims mark this holy period by slaughtering sacrificial rams and other livestock. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to obey God's command.
The celebration falls on the 10th of Zul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. Only those not performing Hajj in Makkah participate in the ritual.
Animals must be healthy and meet specific age requirements. Rams are preferred, though sheep, goats, cows, and camels are also acceptable.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria visited two major Kano markets. Goron Dutse and Kofar Nai'sa both showed substantial livestock stocks.
Traders had prepared for strong demand ahead of the festival. Yet customers have largely stayed away from the markets.
Prices have climbed sharply compared to last year's rates. Many potential buyers now face difficult choices because of affordability concerns.
At Goron Dutse market, Alhaji Bashir Sule-Dantsoho runs the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State. He blamed the economic situation for weak sales.
Small rams fetch between N150,000 and N200,000 currently. Medium-sized animals go for N350,000 to N500,000.
Large rams command N700,000 and above, he noted. Camels range from N500,000 to N3 million depending on quality.
Bulls and cows sell for N600,000 to N3 million. Size, weight, and overall condition determine the final price.
Sule-Dantsoho pointed to rising production costs as the main driver. Animal feed prices have doubled year-on-year, he explained.
Last year, a bag of feed cost N10,000 to N13,000. Now the same bag sells for around N25,000.
Transportation expenses have also climbed considerably. "All these costs get passed to buyers," according to him.
Another dealer at Kofar Nai'sa market is Kabiru Mustapha. He blamed Nigeria's economic hardship for the poor buying activity.
Traders sometimes go days without making real sales. Many residents are struggling just to buy basic food items.
At Kofar Nai'sa, camels sell for N500,000 to N2.5 million. Cows range from N400,000 to N3 million.
Ram prices there start at N150,000 for smaller animals. Medium and large ones cost N550,000 and higher.
Mustapha said many buyers are deliberately postponing their purchases. They're hoping prices might drop closer to Eid-el-Kabir day.
Some wait until the final days or even the last day. This strategy has slowed business throughout the markets considerably.
Prospective buyers told NAN they're concerned about rising costs. The trend shows no sign of reversing soon.
