Butchers Raise Alarm as Cow Prices Reach ₦2.5 Million in Lagos

The Lagos State Butchers Association has raised concern over the continued rise in cattle prices, with cows now selling for as much as ₦2.5 million in the state.

The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

He said cows that sold for about ₦1.7 million in 2025 now go for between ₦2.3 million and ₦2.4 million, with some reaching ₦2.5 million.

Kazeem linked the increase to insecurity, rising transport costs, and delays in local ranching plans.

He said the situation is affecting both butchers and consumers, with some traders finding it difficult to continue business.

Kazeem noted that cows once sold for ₦1 million are now rare in the market.

He said supply has dropped due to insecurity affecting livestock movement and the recent increase in fuel prices, which has raised transportation costs.

He added that higher diesel and petrol costs have worsened logistics, especially for cattle brought from northern Nigeria, which supplies most of Lagos markets.

Kazeem said local production has not met demand, as planned feedlot and ranching programmes in the state have yet to begin.

He called on the government to speed up the Eko Ranching project in Gbodu, Epe, saying it would boost local supply, reduce transport costs, and help lower meat prices.