.Stay away from highways, Lagos govt warns sellers
Ibrahim Quadri
Barely three days to the celebration of Sallah, the prices of rams have skyrocketed across ram markets in Lagos State.
Rams during the Eid-el-Kabir are meant to be slaughtered as a form of sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The 2025 Sallah is to be celebrated on Friday June 6 when Muslims who have the means are expected to kill rams as a form of sacrifice exemplified by Abraham.
While specific prices fluctuate, it’s generally observed that prices of rams have been rising in recent years, particularly due to factors like, insurgency, border bans and transportation issues.
Larger rams typically command higher prices. One report mentions that large rams can cost between N350,000 and N480,000, up to N1 million, while smaller ones may be found for around N250,000.
Rams sourced locally tend to be more readily available, with prices varying depending on size and condition.
Prices tend to increase closer to Sallah, as demand rises.
The availability of rams and the overall demand can influence prices, with some markets experiencing a surge in demand and prices.
It’s common for buyers to haggle, and prices can be negotiated based on the individual ram and the market.
Reports indicate that prices have doubled in some cases compared to previous years, with factors like transportation costs and fuel subsidy removal playing a role in price increases.
Ahmed Oyasipe, who lamented ram prices at Meiran, a Lagos suburb at a ram market, stated that it was being sold between the range of N250,000 to N1.2million depending on their sizes.
Oyasipe who is a resident at Meiran told our correspondent, “they sell N250,000 for small ones, Some rams are also selling as high as #1.2 million here in Meiran.
He added, “It is too expensive for people to buy at a time when other things are also very expensive. Even the ingredients to cook it are out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians.”
Also, a resident of Ifo who is a worker in Lagos stated that the prices of rams in Ifo range from N250,000 to N350,000 .
He added that the prices though relatively cheaper compared with Lagos’, it is difficult for an average worker to afford it.
In Agege, prices of rams was between N280,000, N750,000 and N1million depending on their sizes.
A resident who did not want his name in print told our correspondent, that prices of rams were exhorbitant as usual, adding that “Just make sure you have up to N280,000 if you want medium size anything above that, you get between N750,000 to N1million. The big ones are usually separated.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab has declared zero tolerance for the sale of rams and other livestock on highways, warning that violators would face sanctions under the state’s environmental laws.
“Livestock sellers must operate only within designated markets. Trading on highways is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
