By Suleiman Ramat, Kano
As the 2025 Sallah celebration approaches, many ordinary Muslim Nigerians say they may not be able to fulfill the religious tradition of sacrificing rams due to the country’s worsening economic hardship.
An investigation conducted across Tarauni and parts of Kano City revealed that the prices of livestock have increased sharply compared to previous years.
Traders disclosed that a small ram now sells between ₦250,000 and ₦450,000, while cows are being sold for between ₦850,000 and ₦1.5 million depending on size and breed.
Residents interviewed expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living, blaming inflation, food scarcity, and the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government for the current situation.
Many civil servants lamented that their monthly salaries are no longer enough to cater for basic family needs, let alone purchase rams or cows for Sallah.
A resident of Tarauni said: “We used to buy at least one ram every year for Sallah, but this time the prices are beyond our reach.”
Another respondent in Kano City described the situation as “painful,” noting that transportation costs and rising prices of goods have affected both buyers and livestock sellers.
Livestock dealers, however, argued that the high prices are caused by increased transportation costs, insecurity affecting cattle routes, and the high cost of animal feed.
Economic analysts warn that unless urgent measures are taken to stabilize the economy and reduce inflation, many Nigerians may continue to struggle to observe important religious and cultural traditions.
The development has sparked fresh debates on the economic challenges facing ordinary citizens across the country ahead of the festive season.