Cattle prices ease in Abuja, bringing brief relief to dealers and butchers

Livestock dealers and butchers across Abuja are breathing a sigh of relief as cattle prices record a modest drop in several major markets within the Federal Capital Territory. The decline, observed in hubs such as Dei-Dei, Kubwa, Dutsen Alhaji, Bwari and Wuse, has slightly reduced the cost of beef per kilogramme, offering temporary respite after months of tight margins and mounting losses.

Source: punchng

Traders attribute the easing to seasonal factors and increased cattle supply from northern markets, where many farmers sell off animals toward the end of the year to avoid losses during the dry season. Some dealers say this year’s reduction has been more noticeable, helped by a broader dip in foodstuff prices, with cows that once sold for over a million naira now changing hands for significantly less.

Despite the welcome development, caution remains high. Butchers at the Dei-Dei abattoir note that while reduced beef prices have made it easier to recover capital, customer turnout has yet to improve, reflecting the strain of ongoing economic hardship. Market watchers warn the price dip may be short-lived, with the possibility of a rebound at any time, leaving both traders and consumers uncertain about how long the relief will last.