Ram Merchants Lament Low Sales Amid Scarce Supply
In the days preceding the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir, ram merchants at the Mai’adua International Livestock Market in Katsina State have decried the dwindling demand even as the animals remain in limited supply.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the market on Sunday reports that the merchants’ grievances stem from the export ban imposed by the Niger Republic’s military authorities on Nigeria.
NAN reports that this situation unfolds despite the federal government’s initiatives to promote seamless trade between the two nations.
These efforts encompass the ongoing multi-billion-dollar rail project connecting Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi in Niger Republic, recently announced by President Bola Tinubu in Katsina, slated for completion in 2026.
Meanwhile, a large ram that cost ₦1.7 million a week ago was priced at ₦1.2 million on Sunday, while a medium-sized ram previously sold for ₦700,000 last week now costs less, with prices for small rams starting from ₦100,000.
Bashir Hassan, a ram merchant from Niger Republic, stated that authorities had mandated that no one should be permitted to exit the West African nation with camels, cows, rams, or goats.
He further explained that the directive was due to flooding recorded in 2024 in Niamey, Maradi, Tawa, among others, which claimed the lives of many animals.
He said, “The authorities expressed concern that the country might face an animal shortage during this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”
Hassan disclosed that police, immigration, the army, and traditional rulers were instructed to confiscate animals from anyone attempting to cross the border with them.
He noted that many animals were seized from those attempting to cross the country’s border, resulting in a scarce supply, even though demand has also diminished compared to 2024.
However, another merchant, Alhaji Muazu Maifaru, elucidated that individuals from Niger Republic were more affected by the order, remarking, “But for the security challenges in certain areas, Nigeria possesses large farms capable of providing sufficient animals, even for exportation.”
