Muslim faithful in Nigeria join their counterparts globally to commemorate the annual festival of sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha, today amid high cost of ram and food stuff.
In separate interviews across the country, they lamented the exorbitant prices of things. They explained that prices of rams and foodstuff have spiked.
All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and foodstuff traders are also lamenting low patronage of foodstuffs due to inflation which affected consumers’ purchasing power. Similarly, the cost of transportation has also shot up astronomically.
Alhaji Ganiyu Babalola, a civil servant, based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the amount he spent in 2024 to buy two rams was what he spent buying one this year.
“I remembered I bought the two rams N250,000 each but this year I got one for N470,000. Instead of buying two, I called my siblings and we contributed to buy a cow to support the ram I bought,” he said.
Akande Jimoh, a welder, said he has no plan to buy a ram this year, considering the cost implications.
“I cannot afford to buy a ram this year. The price of a big ram ranges from N550,000 to N800,000. Where will I get such money?
“I have decided to take two of the goats I am rearing to celebrate the festival. My God will understand.
“I wish the government had the power to control the prices of these animals,” he said.
On her part, Mrs Bidemi Ahmed, said: “Ram, whether big or small, is not affordable this year compared to 2024.
“Although my husband has bought one, I must say I’m not so happy with the choice he settled for, at the rate of N250,000.
“Gone are those days when they will be begging you to buy, but right now, when you turn your back, they won’t even call you back,” she said.
Mallam Abdulfatah Akanni, an Islamic scholar, described the situation as a challenging moment for Muslims. “As Muslims, we have to be cautious. Let’s cut our coats according to the size of our clothes,” he said.
Lagos State AFAN Vice Chairman, Mr. Shakin Agbayewa, said consumers’ purchasing power had reduced in spite of the drop in the price of some produce in the country.
“The celebration this year is associated with mixed feelings. Some of the produce has dropped in price but the purchasing power of the people have dropped.
“The price of a bag of rice in Lagos State and its environs is between N51,000 and N57,000 depending on the location. However, people can buy rice and ram but have no money to buy pepper to cook for the Sallah.
“For pepper, as of today, pepper is on the high side. It is really on the high side. A lot of people are complaining about pepper.
“We encourage people to start cultivating pepper in the state. The cost of transportation is what has made pepper costly at this celebration season.
“Sometimes, I think, the price hike of these products during the Sallah celebration is intentional, the traders just want to make extra profit because of the celebration.
“After the celebration, the prices of pepper and tomatoes I believe will drop,” Agbayewa said
Mrs. Tolu Agunbiade, foodstuff trader at Agege area of the state, said patronage was low when compared with 2024 Sallah.