Sallah 2025: Prices of Ram in Nigeria for Eid al-Adha (See Prices Per State and Sizes)
Eid al-Adha, also known as Sallah or the Festival of Sacrifice, holds profound religious significance for Muslims globally, including the large Muslim population in Nigeria. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion to Allah. A central part of this observance is the Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, most commonly a ram in Nigeria.
Muslims in Nigeria and around the world are anticipating Eid al-Adha 2025, which is expected to fall on Friday, June 6th, 2025, or Saturday, June 7th, 2025. The precise date is contingent upon the sighting of the moon for the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah is anticipated on June 5th, with Eid al-Adha commencing on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. The sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon is expected around May 27th or May 28th, 2025, which will determine whether Eid falls on June 6th or June 7th. Some public holiday schedules also list Id el Kabir (Eid al-Adha) tentatively for June 7th, 2025.
Current Prices of Ram in Nigeria 2025
The consensus among livestock dealers and buyers is that ram prices for Sallah 2025 will be considerably higher than in previous years, continuing an upward trend observed in 2023 and 2024. Reports use terms like “skyrocketing prices” and prices “tripling or doubling” year-on-year , painting a stark picture of the economic pressures affecting this religious observance.
To illustrate the scale of these increases, a ram that might have sold for N120,000 in 2024 is now projected to cost between N170,000 and N200,000 in 2025. More detailed comparisons show smallest suitable rams fetching N120,000-N150,000, a significant jump from the N70,000-N100,000 range in 2023. Medium-sized rams are expected to be in the N250,000-N300,000 bracket, up from N150,000-N180,000, while jumbo-sized rams could command prices from N800,000 to N1.4 million, compared to around N500,000 previously. In major urban centers like Lagos, rams that were once priced between N100,000 and N150,000 are now anticipated to be in the N300,000 to N400,000 range.
The following table provides estimated price ranges for rams in various Nigerian regions and markets for Sallah 2025, based on available market intelligence. It is important to note that these are early projections, primarily from May 2025, and prices are subject to fluctuation, often increasing as the festival approaches due to peak demand.
Estimated Prices of Ram in Nigeria for Sallah 2025.
| Region/Major Market | Ram Size | Estimated Price Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Kano | Average | 100,000 – 150,000 |
| Lowest (Tishama) | From 170,000 | |
| Wurobagga Mkt | 120,000 – 250,000+ | |
| Locally reared | 150,000 – 200,000+ | |
| Premium/Jumbo | Up to 2,000,000+ | |
| Jigawa (Maigatari) | Locally reared | 150,000 – 200,000+ |
| Borno (Wurobagga Mkt) | General | 120,000 – 250,000+ |
| Lowest seen | From 90,000 (up to 300,000+) | |
| Lagos (General) | Medium | From 300,000 |
| Lagos (Agege Abattoir) | Medium | 300,000 – 400,000 |
| Lagos (Badagry – Alaba) | Small | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| Medium | 350,000 – 400,000 | |
| Big | 750,000 | |
| Lagos (Badagry – Agbalata) | Small | 120,000 – 150,000 |
| Fairly Big | 250,000 – 300,000 | |
| Big | 400,000 – 450,000 | |
| Lagos (Ijaiye) | Smallest | From 300,000 |
| Various | 400,000 – 800,000 | |
| Kebbi (Affordable) | General | 100,000 – 450,000 |
| Sheep | 70,000 – 250,000 | |
| Abuja (Kugbo Market) | Medium | From 110,000 (negotiated) |
| Various | 110,000 – 500,000 | |
| Ogun (Ibafo) | Smallest | From 250,000 |
| Big | 500,000 – 700,000 | |
| Ogun (Arepo) | General | 300,000 – 650,000 |
| Gombe (Tike Market) | Cheapest | From 150,000 |
| Big | Up to 800,000 | |
| Bauchi | Lowest | From 100,000 |
| Various | 200,000 – 400,000 | |
| Ilorin (Kwara) | Smallest | From 35,000 (low patronage noted) |
| Medium | 80,000 – 85,000 | |
| General | 90,000 – 150,000 (up to 750,000) | |
| Nationwide (Farm Zone) | Rams (starting) | From 130,000 |
| Goats (starting) | From 90,000 | |
| Cows (starting) | From 550,000 | |
| Overall Range | 50,000 – 2,000,000 | |
| Online (Jiji.ng) | Various | 35,000 – 900,000 (general listing) |
The existence of extremely high-priced rams, such as those valued at over N2 million in Kano or N750,000 in Badagry , points towards a niche market catering to wealthier individuals or those pooling substantial resources. The observation that “the most annoying part is that people are buying” suggests that demand, albeit from a smaller segment, persists even at these premium prices. This contrasts sharply with the widespread concerns about affordability for the average citizen, particularly when comparing these costs to the national minimum wage (e.g., a N71,000 minimum wage versus a N170,000 ram ), highlighting a widening economic disparity that impacts even religious observances.
Conversely, reports of more “affordable” prices in Kebbi State and potentially other specific, unnamed markets offer a different perspective. These lower prices could be attributed to factors such as proximity to local breeding areas, thereby reducing the significant transportation costs that inflate prices elsewhere. Additionally, lower operational overheads for sellers in these regions compared to high-cost urban centers like Lagos or Abuja could also contribute to more competitive pricing. This suggests that for individuals with the means to travel, sourcing rams from such locations might present a cost-saving opportunity.
Key Factors Influencing Ram Costs for Sallah 2025
Several interconnected factors are contributing to the anticipated surge in ram prices for Eid al-Adha 2025. Understanding these drivers can help individuals appreciate the complexities of the market.
Niger Republic Livestock Export Ban
A significant and immediate factor is the livestock export ban imposed by the Nigerien government. Niger has traditionally been a key supplier of rams and other livestock to Nigeria, especially during the peak demand period of Eid al-Adha. The ban, aimed at stabilizing domestic prices in Niger, directly curtails supply to Nigerian markets, particularly those in northern states like Kano and Jigawa, which rely heavily on this cross-border trade.
This has led to concerns about supply shortages and subsequent price hikes. The Maigatari International Livestock Market in Jigawa State, for instance, has been notably affected. In response, Nigerian merchants are reportedly exploring alternative sourcing routes, such as Cameroon and Chad.
Security Challenges
Security issues, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria which are significant livestock breeding areas, add another layer of complexity. Rising incidents of animal rustling in the North West reduce the available local stock and increase risks for herders and traders. More broadly, banditry and insurgency disrupt traditional breeding practices, make supply routes perilous, and endanger traders who navigate these areas.
General Economic Conditions in Nigeria
The broader economic climate in Nigeria plays a substantial role. Persistently high general inflation and specifically food inflation mean that the cost of nearly all goods and services, including those related to livestock rearing and trade, has escalated.
Conclusion
The outlook for ram prices for Eid al-Adha 2025 in Nigeria indicates a period of significant expense for Muslim faithful. A confluence of economic pressures, including inflation and high transportation costs, coupled with supply chain disruptions such as the livestock export ban by Niger Republic and domestic security challenges, points towards substantially higher prices compared to previous years.
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