Families Adopt Cow‑Sharing Strategies as Meat Prices Soar for Eid al‑Kabir

During every festive season, the price of food, especially meat, tends to rise. The upcoming Eid‑el‑Kabir, locally known as “Ileya” in Yoruba, is following this pattern as the holiday approaches in two days.

In Nigeria, people often find ways to navigate such challenges. Many families have told Economy & Lifestyle that they are pooling resources to counter the high cost of meat this year.

A market survey by Economy & Lifestyle across major livestock hubs in Nigeria revealed an unprecedented surge in prices. Small rams that previously sold for less than N100,000 now fetch between N200,000 and N350,000. Medium to large rams are priced between N450,000 and N900,000, while a healthy bull or cow can cost from N1.5 million to over N3 million, depending on location and weight.

The rise of “ajo” cow sharing

Facing these prohibitive prices, many families have moved away from the traditional practice of buying rams for Ileya. Instead, they are adopting “cow sharing” networks, or bulk‑slaughter contributions, commonly known as “Ajo.” The method involves contributors sharing both the financial burden and the meat.

Mr. Idris Garuba, a trader, said: “I can hardly take care of my bills—school fees, rent, and other expenses this year. I just bought a bag of rice and 25 litres of vegetable oil, which I sent home to my mother. My extended family and I recently held an emergency financial meeting to plan for the upcoming festival. Instead of the three rams typically purchased by different households within the family, ten members contributed N100,000 each to buy a single medium‑sized cow. If you look at the economy right now, individual sacrifice has become a luxury that honest salary earners cannot afford. We had to be realistic. Food prices are rising weekly, electricity tariffs are high, and transport fares have eaten up our disposable income. By coming together, we ensure that our children can still enjoy the spirit of Ileya without plunging our households into deep debt.”

Market realities and trader woes

Livestock traders are also feeling the pinch, lamenting record‑low patronage despite having significant stock available. Many blame the astronomical rise on the logistics of moving cattle. According to cattle dealers, hauling a truck of livestock now costs up to N1 million due to persistent fuel price increases and extortion along federal highways.

“Customers come here, hear the price, and just walk away shaking their heads,” explained Nuru Ibrahim, a livestock vendor. “We are not trying to cheat anyone. We buy these animals at high rates from the north, and the cost of diesel to transport them down south has doubled. If we don’t sell at these prices, we will face total bankruptcy.”

For many families, this communal strategy is the only viable way to maintain long‑held religious obligations and preserve cultural dignity. Islamic scholars have also increasingly validated the practice, noting that joint contributions for a large animal are fully compliant with the tenets of the Eid sacrifice.

As the countdown to the festival continues, online social media platforms and community town halls have become makeshift marketplaces where individuals actively look for reliable partners to fill “slots” for bulk meat sharing, cementing a collaborative economy born out of absolute financial necessity.

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