Eid al‑Kabir: Prices of rams and other goods surge as Muslims prepare for the holiday.

The prices of rams, foodstuffs, and other essential commodities have surged as Muslims across the country prepare for Eid‑el‑Kabir, during which animal sacrifices are performed as part of the religious rites.

In Kaduna State, market surveys revealed that although there are many rams, goats, and chickens available, their prices have risen sharply. The cost varies with size, and many prospective buyers have expressed concern over the increase.

For instance, rams at the Central Market are priced between N300,000 and N1 million, depending on their size.

Although some Muslims opt for chickens when a ram is unaffordable, chicken prices have also climbed. A three‑month‑old chicken now sells for N20,000 to N30,000, while a bag of rice reached N80,000 as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Alhaji Bulama, Senior Manager of the Rams Sellers Association, attributed the price rise to a shortage of rams and to insecurity that has displaced many families, reducing local animal rearing. “Many families, especially those rearing animals in local villages, have deserted their homes due to insurgent attacks. They are not rearing animals anymore. Only a few people are rearing animals nowadays. Again, the cost of feeding these animals is extremely high,” he said.

Mallam Musa Adamu, a seller of various animals at Television Market, explained that high transportation costs also contribute to the price increase. “Since insecurity has continued across the Northern region, and residents are unable to rear household animals, we buy these animals and transport them from far distances. The cost of transportation, added to the selling price, makes them expensive,” he said.

Dr. Musa, who has vowed to slaughter a ram this season, said he must purchase one regardless of the cost. “As Muslims, slaughtering an animal is a necessity, though not compulsory. It depends on the size of your pocket,” he said. “I have made up my mind to slaughter a ram this season, no matter the cost, because I planned for it a long time ago. I advise all our Muslim brothers to be cautious during the celebration and pay only for what they can afford. They should not borrow money to celebrate. Sallah is a yearly celebration; if they cannot afford it this year, maybe they will be able to in the years to come.”