Eid el-Kabir: Prices of rams rise in FCT despite low patronage

Prices of rams have jerked up in some markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in spite of low patronage few days to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

A check at the livestock market in Kuje, Abaji and Kwali showed that in spite of the availability of all sizes of rams, there were very few buyers.

Several rams were seen being dragged about in the market by hawkers, who were seeking potential buyers despite the high cost.

Malam Sani Gada, a livestock dealer at Gudaba in Kuje Area Council said that business was not moving as expected.

“People are complaining that there is no money and they have so many responsibilities to take care of. Some people prefer to buy chickens and beef because they said they have no money to purchase ram,” Gada said.

Mu’azu Balla, a dealer at Abaji market, said the prices of rams ranged from N40,000 to N100, 000, depending on size and bargaining power of the buyer.

He said that a ram that was sold for N40, 000 last year was now being sold for N60, 000 and above.

Malam Kura Baba, at Kwali market, attributed the high cost of rams to the cost of livestock rearing, bad roads and high cost of transporting the animals to the markets.

He, however said that though he had recorded low sales compared to last year, he would not increase the prices “because people were complaining of lack of money.”

Sellers of chickens and turkey were, however, making brisk businesses in the market. (NAN)