Some RAM vendors in the territory of the Federal Capital (FCT) attributed on Wednesday the high cost of the Rams to insecurity and under the supply of the northwest.
The merchants, in an interview with the Nigeria news agency (NAN) during a market survey in Abuja, said that the supply was also due to the closing of Nigeria's borders.
Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, a cattle merchant in the De-Dei cattle market, told NAN that the supply of Rams to the main cities was well below expectations compared to 2024, especially from neighboring countries.
“You know that we mostly get these Niger animals and other nearby countries that share borders with us in the north, especially those of moderate size.
“Now, we have to trust only the local supply of cattle farmers in the home, which is limited.
“Many merchants have even left the business for more profitable companies,” he said.
He pointed out that the price of RAMs had doubled compared to 2025, attributing this to the increase in transport costs and the general life cost.
“A ram that was sold for N200,000 in 2024 now goes for N400,000. Only the rich can pay it now.
“Prices vary according to size: smaller RAMs cost between N150,000 and N190,000, the media go to N200,000 to N250,000, while large RAMs vary from N350,000 to N1 million,” he explained.
Similarly, Sanusi Abdullahi, a cattle merchant on the road on Dutse, said RAM prices vary from N200,000 to N700,000.
He added that obtaining the animals locally had been stressful and expensive due to the limited access of the Republic of Niger, probably caused by the ongoing political tensions.
“My children and I had to go from a village in village in different states, gather the rams and transport them here. It has not been easy,” he said.
In sales, Abdullahi revealed that he had sold only seven of approximately 120 rams in two days, although he hoped to sell at least half before Sallah, even with minimal earnings.
In Bwari, another road merchant, Malam Mustapha Aminu, popularly known as “Biggie”, also regretted a bass sponsorship, blaming it for inflation and economic difficulties.
According to him, while many Muslims want to participate in the Eid el-Kabir sacrifice, most can no longer afford it.
“Although the cheapest RAM in my stand is applied to N100,000, only a few people have bought it so far. This time last year, I had sold almost all my actions.
“Things were also difficult, but this year is worse. We still hope that sales will approach Salah,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hameed Raji, a buyer in Bwari, said he had opted for a goat instead of a ram due to the high cost.
He explained that he bought an average size goat for N70,000, which he planned to kill for his family and friends.
Similarly, Mrs. Rukayya Abdullahi said that she and her husband chose to buy and kill three large chickens at N20,000 each instead of a ram.
“This will not only serve our visitors, but will also save us from loans to buy a RAM.
“According to Allah's grace, we hope to pay a ram next year,” he said.
Eid El-Kabir is celebrated worldwide by the faithful Muslims and involves the massacre of the rams as part of the worship, symbolizing the sacrifice and sharing meals with loved ones.
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune