Sallah Shock 2026: Nigerians Struggle as Ram Prices Hit ₦1.5 Million Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

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Muslims across Nigeria are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Eid-el-Kabir or Sallah, under severe economic pressure as the prices of rams and other sacrificial animals soar to record levels nationwide.

The dramatic increase in livestock prices has left many families frustrated and worried, turning what is traditionally a joyful religious celebration into a major financial burden for millions of Nigerians already battling rising inflation and high living costs.

The Federal Government had declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to commemorate the Islamic festival, which honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

The celebration is marked by Eid prayers and the ritual slaughtering of rams, goats, cows, or camels, with meat shared among family members, neighbours, and the less privileged.

However, across major livestock markets in Nigeria, buyers have been stunned by the sharp rise in prices compared to previous years.

At Kara Market in Ogun State, which supplies much of Lagos, as well as markets in Kano, Abuja, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Ilorin, traders say ram prices have doubled and, in some cases, tripled since 2025.

Current market surveys show:

Small rams now sell between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000.

Medium-sized rams range from ₦300,000 to ₦800,000.

Large and premium breeds cost between ₦600,000 and ₦1.5 million, while exceptionally large animals reportedly reach as high as ₦2 million.

Many buyers say negotiations now begin at prices that were considered final prices last year.

One customer at Kara Market lamented that a ram purchased for ₦200,000 in 2025 now attracts an opening price of nearly ₦600,000.

Despite the abundance of livestock in several markets, traders are also complaining of poor patronage as reduced purchasing power forces many households to reconsider traditional Sallah spending.

Some families are reportedly opting for goats instead of rams, while others are pooling resources with relatives and neighbours to jointly purchase animals for the sacrifice.

Livestock dealers blame the soaring prices on multiple economic challenges, including rising transportation costs, expensive animal feed, fuel price increases, and insecurity affecting supply routes from northern Nigeria, where many animals are raised.

In response to the hardship, some state governments, banks, politicians, and philanthropists have launched subsidized ram sales and meat distribution programmes to support vulnerable families during the festive period.

Reports from some areas indicate that discounted rams are being distributed under special intervention schemes, with selected beneficiaries reportedly paying as low as ₦50,000 for animals.

Religious leaders have meanwhile urged Muslims not to lose sight of the spiritual essence of Eid al-Adha despite the economic difficulties.

Clerics across the country are encouraging worshippers to focus on faith, sacrifice, charity, compassion, and unity, reminding believers that sincerity and devotion remain more important than the size or cost of the sacrificial animal.

As Nigerians gather for prayers and celebrations this Sallah season, the rising cost of rams has once again highlighted the broader economic struggles facing households across the country in 2026.

Eid Mubarak to all Muslim faithful celebrating across Nigeria and beyond.