Rising Fuel Costs and Insecurity Drive Up Eid Sheep Prices in Nigeria
Traders blame insurgency, transport expenses, and economic pressure as livestock costs surge ahead of Eid-al-Adha celebrations
Sheep prices across Nigeria have risen sharply ahead of Eid-al-Adha as insecurity, increased fuel prices, transport costs, and economic challenges continue to affect livestock supply and reduce purchasing power among consumers.
Economic hardship, rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, and persistent insecurity have pushed up the cost of sheep across Nigeria ahead of the Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
At Kara Market, a major livestock trading hub located along the Lagos–Ogun border, traders reported slow sales despite the large number of sheep available for purchase.
The market receives thousands of livestock from northern Nigeria, where much of the country’s animal production takes place, to meet increased demand during the Muslim festival.
With Muslims making up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, demand for sheep traditionally rises during Eid celebrations. However, traders said many buyers are struggling to keep up with the sharp increase in prices.
Current sheep prices range between ₦250,000 and ₦1.2 million depending on size, compared with ₦150,000 to ₦1 million during the previous year.
Traders attributed the increase to multiple challenges including insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, unofficial road levies, taxes, and growing transport expenses.
One trader explained that security concerns remain a major issue, noting that livestock markets in some regions have become vulnerable to attacks.
Buyers also expressed concerns over affordability. Some shoppers said they were forced to purchase smaller animals after discovering that larger sheep had become too expensive.
Transportation has emerged as another major factor behind the price increase. Traders who travel more than 1,000 kilometres to reach southern markets reported that moving livestock now costs more than double previous rates.
The recent increase in petrol prices has further intensified costs. Fuel prices have reportedly climbed significantly in many areas, increasing both logistics expenses and travel costs for families planning to celebrate Eid.
Some Nigerians said they may cancel travel plans due to transportation expenses and growing security concerns in their home states.
Livestock dealers also reported paying substantial amounts on checkpoints and taxes while transporting animals across different states.
Import-related costs and exchange rate fluctuations have equally contributed to higher livestock prices, particularly for traders sourcing sheep from neighbouring countries.
Despite the difficult conditions, some buyers said Eid celebrations would continue in simpler ways, noting that purchasing sheep is not the only way to observe the festival.
