Abuja's Livestock Market in Crisis: Butchers and Consumers Struggle with Rising Prices and Low Demand

The livestock market in Abuja is facing a perfect storm of challenges, with butchers and consumers alike struggling to cope with the rising prices of cattle, goats, and rams. The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including scarcity, high fuel costs, insecurity, and a weak exchange rate.

At the Mararaba market, butchers are lamenting the significant increase in the price of cattle. According to Mr. Everistus Nnamani, a butcher at the market, the price of a large cow has risen from N800,000 to between N1 million and N1.5 million. Medium-sized cows, which previously cost between N400,000 and N500,000, are now priced between N600,000 and N700,000. Small cows, which used to sell for N150,000 to N200,000, are now fetching N400,000.

Nnamani attributed the price hikes to a combination of factors, including scarcity, high fuel costs, and insecurity. "The constant increase in the price of cow is affecting my business," he said. "Before now, I would buy six to 10 cows and keep them to slaughter and sell them one after another. Now, for me to purchase one cow is even more difficult because of the price. I spend more money buying one than before, and most of my profit goes into buying."

The situation is equally dire for goat meat traders. According to Mr. Kelechi Odo, a butcher and goat meat trader at Nyanya market, the price of a small-sized goat has risen from N15,000 to N25,000. Medium-sized goats, which previously cost between N20,000 and N22,000, are now priced between N27,000 and N28,000. Large goats, which used to sell for N28,000, are now fetching between N32,000 and N35,000.

The price of rams has also skyrocketed, with Alhaji Yusuf Ali, a butcher at the Kugbo ram market, reporting that prices range from N50,000 to N150,000, depending on the size.

Consumers are also feeling the pinch, with many struggling to afford the rising prices of meat. Mrs. Christiana Agede, a customer, reported that the price of a kilogram of cow meat has risen from N4,500 to N5,500. As a result, she has had to reduce her meat purchases and has turned to brisket bones as a more affordable alternative.

The situation is a cry for help, and butchers are calling on the government to find ways to reduce prices and boost consumers' purchasing power. With the livestock market in crisis, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the root causes of the problem and restore stability to the market.