Livestock traders in Kano have raised concerns over poor patronage ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, despite stocking large numbers of animals for the celebration. A survey conducted at Goron Dutse and Kofar Nai’sa livestock markets showed that ram prices currently range from N150,000 to over N700,000, while prices of camels, cows, and bulls range between N400,000 and N3 million depending on size and quality.
According to Alhaji Bashir Sule-Dantsoho, Chairman of the Animal Dealers Association in Kano State, the low turnout of buyers is linked to the country’s harsh economic conditions. He explained that the cost of animal feed and transportation has increased significantly compared to last year. A bag of animal feed that previously sold for N10,000 to N13,000 now costs around N25,000, while transport fares have also risen sharply, leading to higher livestock prices.
At Kofar Nai’sa market, livestock dealer Kabiru Mustapha also blamed poor sales on economic hardship. He noted that traders sometimes spend days without making meaningful sales because many families are struggling to afford basic necessities. He added that many buyers are delaying purchases until closer to Eid, hoping prices may reduce.
Prospective buyers expressed concern over the continuous rise in livestock prices, saying it may prevent some Muslims from fully observing the Eid-el-Kabir sacrifice. However, many remain hopeful that competition among traders could force prices down as the festival approaches.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-al-Adha, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Allah. Muslims traditionally mark the occasion by slaughtering healthy sacrificial animals such as rams, sheep, goats, cows, or camels.
