Presidency Explains Why Ram Prices Are Falling Ahead of Sallah Despite Livestock Shortage

The Presidency has attributed the surprising drop in ram prices across major livestock markets to a combination of external trade disruptions and reduced consumer purchasing power, despite a visible shortage of animals ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This comes as ram dealers at the Mai’adua International Livestock Market in Katsina State raise concerns over low customer turnout. Many say the market has taken an unusual turn: fewer rams are available due to trade restrictions, yet demand remains unexpectedly weak.

A visit to the market by a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent on Sunday revealed that the ongoing ban on livestock exports from Niger Republic is heavily affecting supply. Niger’s military government had earlier restricted the movement of camels, cows, rams, and goats into Nigeria following widespread flooding that killed thousands of animals in cities like Niamey, Maradi, and Tawa.

Ram dealers say the situation is compounded by new enforcement orders issued by Nigerien authorities, empowering security forces and traditional rulers to intercept livestock being transported across the border. As a result, many traders report having their animals confiscated while trying to meet Nigerian demand.

Still, despite these supply constraints, prices are not climbing as expected. A large ram that cost ₦1.7 million just last week is now going for ₦1.2 million. Medium-sized rams have seen similar drops, while smaller ones are being offered for as low as ₦100,000.

Bashir Hassan, a livestock merchant from Niger Republic, explained that the export ban is driven by fears of local shortages in Niger during Sallah. “The authorities fear they won’t have enough livestock for their own celebrations, so they’ve blocked the borders,” he said.

In response to the ongoing tension and economic consequences, the Nigerian Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to regional trade partnerships—pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s recent launch of the Kano-Maradi rail project as part of broader efforts to stabilise cross-border commerce. The multi-billion-naira railway, which connects key northern Nigerian cities with Niger Republic, is expected to be completed by 2026.

Presidential sources noted that while the livestock trade has hit a snag, other exports from Nigeria to Niger remain active. These include staple goods such as maize, rice, pepper, and mango. “Our brands like Mangal rice are widely sold in Niger Republic, showing that trade lines are open in other areas,” one official noted.

But for traders like Alhaji Muazu Maifaru, the immediate concern is survival. He said Nigerian dealers are somewhat shielded because of domestic livestock farms, but warned that the ripple effects of the ban still hurt.

“Without the border issues and insecurity, Nigeria could meet its local demand and even export animals,” he said. “People from Niger Republic are feeling it worse, but our own supply chain depends on them too.”

Maifaru also cautioned the military authorities in Niger to consider the long-term damage to regional commerce, warning that trade ties between both countries could suffer lasting consequences if the restrictions persist.

A senior official in the Presidency, who spoke under anonymity, acknowledged the growing frustration among ram traders but insisted the Nigerian government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with regional partners to protect economic interests on both sides of the border.

He added that while prices appear to be falling, the real concern is affordability.

“The truth is, the average Nigerian family is struggling with inflation. It’s not that rams are cheap—it’s that fewer people can afford them,” he said. “The price drop reflects desperation from sellers, not relief for buyers.”

As Eid-el-Kabir draws near, dealers and buyers alike are watching the situation anxiously. For now, the market remains caught between cross-border policy decisions, national economic challenges, and the harsh realities of a population trying to celebrate in difficult times.

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