Butchers, Consumers Urge Government Action on Rising Livestock Prices

Butchers, Consumers Urge Government Action on Rising Livestock Prices

The persistent rise in livestock prices, especially cattle and goats, has sparked concern among butchers and consumers, who are calling on the government to intervene to ease the burden.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, they highlighted how the price hikes are negatively affecting businesses and consumers’ purchasing power.

Mr. Everistus Nnamani, a butcher at Mararaba Market, revealed that the cost of cows has skyrocketed. “A large cow that used to sell for N800,000 now costs between N1 million and N1.5 million,” he said. Medium-sized cows, which once went for N400,000 to N500,000, are now sold for N600,000 to N700,000, while smaller cows, previously priced at N150,000 to N200,000, now cost around N400,000.

Nnamani attributed the sharp increase to fuel and diesel price hikes, scarcity, and insecurity, particularly kidnapping. “Before, I could buy six to ten cows and sell them gradually. Now, purchasing just one is a challenge because of the cost.

Bandits also prefer hijacking cattle trucks and selling them, further driving up prices,” he added.

Similarly, Mr. Kelechi Odo, a goat meat trader at Nyanya Market, pointed to the high exchange rate as a major contributor to rising goat prices. “We source our goats from neighboring countries like Niger and Cameroon.

A small goat now sells for N25,000 to N28,000, up from N15,000 to N18,000. Medium-sized goats have risen to N27,000, and larger goats now cost N32,000 to N35,000,” Odo explained.

In the Kugbo market, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, a ram dealer, noted that prices for rams now range between N50,000 and N150,000, depending on size.

Consumers are also feeling the pinch. Mrs. Christiana Agede shared that the price of a kilogram of cow meat, previously between N4,500 and N5,000, now ranges from N5,500 to N6,000. With her purchasing power strained, Agede said her family has switched to buying brisket bones as a meat alternative. “We used to rely on eggs when meat became too expensive, but now even eggs are out of reach. Brisket bones are more affordable and nutritious, though my children aren’t fond of them,” she explained.

Another consumer, Mrs. Elizabeth Adodi, a civil servant, expressed concern over the rising meat prices. “While other food items are becoming more affordable, meat prices keep climbing. I hope the government can extend its efforts to the livestock sector and help reduce the cost of meat,” she appealed.

Butchers and consumers alike are calling for government intervention to stabilize livestock prices and ease the financial burden on households across Nigeria.