A cross section of Muslim residents in Ibadan have expressed concern over the sharp increase in the prices of rams ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Both buyers and sellers described the situation as difficult, attributing the rising cost of livestock and food items to the current economic realities in the country.
Some ram sellers lamented poor patronage despite the festive season drawing closer, noting that many intending buyers are struggling financially.
One of the traders, Mallam Abdullah Saleh, said although some people were still making efforts to purchase rams, sales were far below expectations because many workers were yet to receive their salaries.
He expressed hope that patronage would improve as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Another seller, Malam Salisu Abass, blamed the high prices on the increasing cost of transportation from northern Nigeria, explaining that the cost of moving rams from Bornu State to Oyo State had risen significantly due to fuel prices.
According to him, transporting a trailer load of rams, which previously cost between ₦600,000 and ₦700,000, now costs between ₦1.8 million and ₦2 million, with the expenses eventually transferred to buyers.
Some residents who visited the markets also complained about weak purchasing power and the harsh economic situation.
A prospective buyer said many families are only buying rams to satisfy their parents or children despite the financial burden, adding that many parents are still struggling to pay school fees and meet other responsibilities.
Another buyer, AbdulKarim Oyedele, said he was shocked by the current prices after discovering that the money he had budgeted was insufficient to purchase the type of ram he wanted.
An Islamic scholar, Alhaji Afeez Adegoke, urged Muslims to embrace local rearing of sheep, goats and cows as a way of reducing dependence on livestock supply from the northern part of the country.
He noted that encouraging local livestock farming would help stabilise prices, improve availability and create economic opportunities within the region.
A survey conducted across major ram markets in Ibadan, including Akinyele, Aleshinloye, Oranyan, Bodija and Elekuro markets, showed that prices have increased sharply compared to last year.
Small-sized rams, which sold for between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 in 2025, now sell between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000.
Medium-sized rams are currently sold between ₦300,000 and ₦400,000, while larger ones go for between ₦500,000 and ₦900,000.
Traders and residents also noted fluctuations in the prices of other food items in the markets.
While the price of tomatoes has dropped in recent weeks, the cost of rice and some other food commodities remains high, adding to the financial pressure on families preparing for the Sallah celebration.
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