With Eid-el-Kabir just days away, many Nigerian families are abandoning the traditional one-family-one-ram celebration as the soaring cost of livestock forces people to find cheaper alternatives.
Across major livestock markets, the prices of rams and cows have skyrocketed ahead of the Ileya festival, leaving many households struggling to keep up with the economic reality.
A market survey revealed that small rams now cost between N200,000 and N350,000, while bigger ones sell for as high as N900,000. Meanwhile, healthy cows are now priced from N1.5 million to over N3 million.
As a result, families are now embracing a growing trend known as “cow sharing” or “Ajo,” where several people contribute money together to buy one cow and share the meat among themselves.
For many Nigerians, the strategy has become the only practical way to celebrate the religious festival without falling into financial hardship.
A trader, Mr. Idris Garuba, explained that his extended family recently held a meeting and decided to contribute N100,000 each to jointly buy a medium-sized cow instead of purchasing separate rams.
According to him, the harsh economy, rising food prices, expensive transportation and increasing electricity bills have made individual sacrifices almost impossible for average salary earners.
Livestock sellers are also feeling the impact, as many customers now walk away after hearing the current prices.
Traders blamed the situation on the high cost of transporting cattle from northern Nigeria to other parts of the country, revealing that moving a truckload of livestock can now cost nearly N1 million due to fuel prices and road-related expenses.
Interestingly, Islamic scholars have reportedly supported the communal contribution system, saying it remains acceptable under Islamic teachings for Eid sacrifice.
Meanwhile, social media platforms and community groups have now turned into online marketplaces where Nigerians search for trusted partners to join cow-sharing arrangements ahead of the celebration.
Despite the economic hardship, many families say they are determined to preserve the spirit of Ileya through cooperation, sacrifice and togetherness.
Source: Economy & Lifestyle
