Ram Traders Lament Low Patronage as Prices Soar 55.5% Ahead of Eid-el-kabir

As the Eid-El-Kabir celebration approaches, ram traders in Ogun and Lagos States are lamenting low patronage due to soaring prices and economic downturn. The prices of rams have increased significantly, with some traders reporting a 55.5% hike compared to last year's prices.

In the Ibafo market, trader Rabiu Abubakar expressed disappointment at the low sales, attributing it to the high cost of sourcing rams from the North. "The rams that we sold for N150,000-N180,000 last year now sell for N250,000-N280,000," he said.

Another trader, Sabo Sheu, corroborated Abubakar's statement, adding that transportation costs from the North to the West have also contributed to the price increase. "Buyers are complaining about the price increase, which has resulted in low sales," Sheu lamented.

At the Agege abattoir market in Lagos, traders reported a significant decline in patronage. Olalere Oriyomi, a trader, noted that rams that were sold for N350,000 last year are now being sold for N500,000. "The high prices of ram are affecting sales, and people are not coming to buy because they cannot afford it," he said.

Abu Muhammed, another trader, attributed the high prices to the cost of animal feed and lamented low sales. "Animal feeds are very costly, and they contribute to how expensive the rams are this year," he said.

Traders at the Kara market along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway shared similar concerns. Idris Ishera, a seller, noted that the market is dull due to the high prices. "The price is so high, and people are not buying; there is no market at all," he said.

The Ogun State Government has assured residents of its commitment to ensuring safety during and after the celebration period. However, the government's stance on price control remains clear, stating that it does not fix prices of goods, as it is a matter of supply and demand.

As the Eid-El-Kabir celebration draws near, traders are hopeful that sales will pick up, but the current trend suggests that many buyers may struggle to afford the high prices of rams.