As the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration draws near, Muslims in Ibadan have voiced growing concern over the exorbitant prices of rams, a key sacrificial animal for the festival. Both buyers and sellers interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday described the situation as deeply worrisome.
Buyers lament their weakened purchasing power amid a challenging economic climate, while sellers complain of sluggish sales despite the high prices. Mallam Abdullah Saleh, a ram seller, noted that although some buyers are still purchasing, the volume is far below expectations. He explained that most buyers are salary earners whose wages have not yet been paid, but he remains hopeful that sales will improve as the Sallah day approaches.
Another seller, Malam Salisu Abass, attributed the steep prices to rising petrol costs, which have significantly increased transportation expenses from northern Nigeria. He revealed that transporting a trailer load of rams from Borno to Oyo State now costs between ₦1.8 million and ₦2 million, up from ₦600,000 to ₦700,000 previously. This cost is ultimately passed on to buyers, making the animals more expensive.
An anonymous buyer highlighted the economic hardship faced by many, stating that even if rams were cheaper, the general lack of funds among the populace remains a major barrier. “Many who buy rams do so reluctantly, mainly to satisfy their elderly parents or children,” the buyer said, adding that many families have yet to pay school fees for their children. He appealed to the Muslim community to exercise moderation to avoid regret after the festivities.
Mr. AbdulKarim Oyedele, another buyer, shared his experience at the market where he realized his ₦100,000 budget was insufficient to purchase a ram, underscoring the steep price increases.
In response to the crisis, Islamic scholar Alhaji Afeez Adegoke urged Muslims to engage in local rearing of sheep, goats, and cows. He emphasized that this practice would help reduce yearly inflation during Sallah and lessen dependence on animals transported from the North. Local rearing, he said, would also boost commercial opportunities and ensure better availability of sacrificial animals year-round.
A NAN survey of major ram markets in Ibadan—including Akinyele, Aleshinloye, Oranyan, Bodija, and Elekuro—revealed dramatic price hikes. Small-sized rams, which sold for ₦70,000 to ₦80,000 in 2025, now fetch between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000. Medium-sized rams are priced between ₦300,000 and ₦400,000, while large rams command prices ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦900,000.
Beyond rams, the cost of other essential food items has also fluctuated. A bag of rice, which sold for ₦54,000 in April, now costs ₦67,000. Conversely, the price of tomatoes has dropped significantly—from ₦80,000 to between ₦35,000 and ₦40,000 per bag, and from ₦40,000 to ₦25,000 per crate. Smaller baskets of tomatoes are now ₦15,000, down from ₦30,000. Other staple prices include Atarodo pepper at ₦170,000, Yoruba Atarodo at ₦120,000, and a bag of big onions at ₦50,000.
As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, the Ibadan Muslim community faces the dual challenge of managing soaring sacrificial animal prices and navigating a difficult economic environment, prompting calls for more sustainable local solutions and prudent spending during the festive season.
NAN