As this year?s Eid al-Adha approaches, livestock dealers and buyers have expressed concern that rams and other sacrificial animals may become more expensive due to rising cases of rustling in parts of the North West and a recent livestock export ban imposed by the Niger Republic.

Earlier in May, the Nigerien government temporarily banned livestock exports to stabilise domestic prices ahead of the Eid celebrations.

The country?s Ministry of Commerce said the measure was aimed at ensuring sufficient livestock supply during the high-demand season.

In Niger, where over 90 per cent of the population is Muslim, hundreds of thousands of sheep are traditionally slaughtered during Eid al-Adha, which will take place in early June this year.

Niger?s Commerce Minister, Abdoulaye Seydou said the decision to ban the export of livestock was intended ?to ensure the regular supply? of animals in local markets in preparation for the celebrations.

He also warned that security agencies have been instructed to enforce the ban strictly and that violators will face decisive action.

It would be recalled that Niger recently imposed a ban on the export of food items to neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.

The latest move is expected to affect neighbouring countries, particularly Nigeria and Ivory Coast, which depend on livestock imports from Niger, especially rams, sheep, and camels.

Nigerian dealers look to Cameroon, Chad as alternatives

Merchants in major livestock markets in Kano and Jigawa states said the ban could cause supply shortages and price hikes in Nigeria during the Eid season.

Malam Abdullahi Abdul, a 65-year-old livestock merchant at the Wudil Livestock Market in Kano who has been in the trade for over 15 years, said the ban would undoubtedly affect the supply of animals to Nigeria.

He said Niger Republic is a key supplier of rams, especially during Eid al-Adha, and the restriction would impact availability at a time when demand peaks.

He noted that, in response, many merchants have begun sourcing livestock from alternative routes, especially from countries like Cameroon and Chad.

?There is every tendency that Nigeria may face a scarcity or high cost of livestock due to the ban by the Niger Republic.

?However, if things go according to our plan, people may not experience a major shortage. We have already sent our people to Cameroon and Chad to bridge the gap.

?The supply should start arriving soon. Still, prices may rise due to foreign exchange differences,? he said.

Another livestock trader, Alhaji Bello Guri, urged the public not to panic, noting that animals have already begun arriving in Nigeria from other countries.

He added that more people now rear their animals ahead of Eid, reducing dependence on market supplies.

?There is no cause for alarm. The ban was announced early enough for merchants to respond and find alternatives. However, what cannot be ruled out is the likelihood of increased prices due to reduced supply and high demand,? he said.

We are in a dilemma ? Maigatari merchants

The Maigatari International Livestock Market in Jigawa State, which typically sources animals from both Niger Republic and within Nigeria, is now facing uncertainty following the recent livestock export ban by the Nigerien government.

According to Mallam Dauda Babandi Gumel, the market?s local supply primarily comes from Nguru, Garin Alkali, Dapchi, and other parts of Yobe State.

He added that additional livestock is also sourced from various locations across Northern Nigeria, while Niger Republic traditionally supplies animals from areas such as Dingas, Magarya Tsira, and Matarka.

He explained that the ban has disrupted the activities of licensed Nigerian livestock traders who regularly travel to Niger to buy animals in bulk and transport them directly to the Maigatari border cattle market.

He said that with the restriction in place, these traders are now idle, raising concerns over the potential scarcity of livestock ahead of this year?s Eid al-Adha celebrations.

It was also gathered that the market, which operates every Thursday and is typically bustling with livestock, has recently seen a sharp decline in activity.

Due to the Niger Republic?s export ban, the market has been a shadow of its former self, with fewer animals available for trade.

?Though there is still time before the Eid al-Adha celebration, we are hoping for a miracle to turn things around because both buyers and sellers are currently in a dilemma,? Mallam Gumel said.

Buyers worry as livestock prices soar

Though livestock prices vary by size, many buyers believe they will be significantly higher this year.

Checks from major livestock markets indicate that a ram that sold for N120,000 last year is now priced between N170,000 and N200,000.

Similarly, bulls that previously sold for N600,000 are now going for between N850,000 and N1 million.

According to Abbas Idris, a resident of Kabuga in Kano, the current market indicators suggest that only a few people may be able to afford the Sallah sacrifice this year.

He said an average ram is now selling between N100,000 and N150,000.

?If prices are already this high weeks before the festival, one can only imagine what they will be like during Sallah,? he said.

Another resident, Alhaji Shehu Sharu, noted that since Islamic teachings allow for collective sacrifice, he has opted to contribute alongside friends.

?Ever since livestock prices surged three years ago, my friends and I have been pooling resources to carry out the sacrifice. At least it?s religiously permissible.

?I plan to do the same this year. Honestly, prices have gone far beyond what an average citizen can afford. A bull that used to cost N600,000 now sells for between N1.5 million and N2 million. That?s outrageous,? he said.

Similarly, Aminu Bukar, another Kano resident, said all signs indicate that livestock prices will remain high this year. He disclosed that he owns a ram currently valued at over N2 million.

?Can you imagine a single ram going for N2 million? It?s madness. The most annoying part is that people are buying.

?I doubt many people will be able to afford the sacrifice this year. We will just have to wait and see. As for me, I haven?t decided yet?I?m watching the market,? he said.

Mallam Idris Isma?ila Zango, a father of six and civil servant with the Kano State Teachers Service Board, said the Sallah sacrifice is no longer a viable option for him.

Zango said he recently conducted a market survey at the Tishama Livestock Market in Kano and found that the lowest price for a sacrificial ram was N170,000.

?It?s just not realistic. How can someone earning the minimum wage of N71,000 afford a ram that costs at least N170,000? I don?t think I will be making the sacrifice this year.

?We have been told the price hike is due to Niger?s export ban, but I think it?s more than that. It?s part of a broader trend in the global economy,? he said.

Experts seek livestock transformation plan implementation

A livestock expert, Dr. Aminu Rimi noted that beyond the Niger ban, factors such as rampant animal rustling and the failure of farmers to adopt modern livestock management techniques are major contributors to the rising cost of livestock.

According to him, the full implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) is essential.

He explained that the NLTP offers a strategic framework for modernising livestock production in Nigeria.

He also stressed the need to promote livestock fattening practices as a way to accelerate production and enhance overall output.

Kano-based business analyst, Ibraheem Muazzam said the decision by the Republic of Niger is both calculated and strategic, aimed at sending a message to Nigeria and other African nations.

He explained that the country has been making deliberate economic moves since the military takeover.

He added that many of these decisions are intended to assert Niger?s importance in the region?s economic stability and survival. (Daily Trust)

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