Livestock Sellers Grapple With Soaring Costs, Security Worries

Traders dealing in livestock in Abuja have voiced their distress over the escalating expenses associated with moving animals and providing their feed. The traders shared with Abuja Metro that the continuous rise in energy prices has substantially impacted their business operations, making commercial activities increasingly difficult.

Furthermore, they highlighted ongoing security concerns in parts of the North- West, a region critical for supplying livestock to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other southern parts of the country.

Abdullahi Abdulkadir, a trader at the Dei-Dei livestock market, stated that the expense of transporting animals from states like Borno or Yobe to Abuja has dramatically increased. He explained that moving a ram via trailer, which previously cost approximately N5,000, now demands around N8,000. For smaller vehicles such as Hummer buses or J5 vans, the cost can reach as much as N15,000.

“Transporting our goods typically begins at night, after market hours, and continues through the night, which puts us at risk of attacks along the routes,” Abdulkadir noted.

He also pointed out that the cost of animal feed has nearly doubled. "A bag of wheat chaff that used to sell for N14,000 is now N24,000, and maize has gone up from N17,000 to about N28,000," he said.

The prices of rams have also seen a significant jump compared to the previous year. Rams previously sold for approximately N200,000 are now retailing for around N270,000, while those that cost N300,000 are now priced at about N360,000, according to Abdulkadir.

He urged the government to intervene, particularly by providing essential amenities like boreholes within the market. The cost of water has also risen, with a jerry can now priced at about N120, up from N70, due to high fuel prices.

Abdulkadir also appealed for the installation of solar-powered streetlights, explaining that traders currently have to pay for security personnel despite paying regular levies.

Yakubu Sulaiman, a goat trader, shared that the prevailing insecurity in the North-West has compelled him to source his animals primarily from the North- East. He mentioned that transporting goats in a J5 vehicle from rural markets in Yobe State now costs approximately N300,000, a considerable increase from the N200,000 it cost before the fuel price surge.

Sulaiman added that the prices of goats have also increased. Animals that were previously sold for about N80,000 now fetch around N110,000, and those that cost N50,000 are now priced at approximately N70,000.

The traders issued a warning that if these increasing costs continue, the prices of livestock during the upcoming Sallah festival could rise further, placing a greater financial burden on consumers.