Sallah Day Marred by High Ram Prices as Nigerians Struggle to Celebrate Eid-el-Kabir

Muslims across Nigeria are observing the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) today amid widespread complaints over the high cost of rams, which has significantly dampened celebrations in many households.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, is a major Islamic festival marked by the slaughter of rams in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. The day is traditionally observed with special prayers, followed by the sharing of meat with family, friends, and neighbours, alongside preparation of popular meals such as pepper soup, stew, and fried meat.

However, Global Mirror News gathered that today’s celebration has been overshadowed by sharp increases in ram prices, leaving many families unable to fully participate in the customary sacrifice.

Traders and buyers say the situation reflects ongoing economic pressure and supply challenges across the livestock market.

Speaking on Sallah Day, the President of the Ram Sellers Association in Gbagada, Alhaji Abubakar Langa, said patronage has dropped significantly as prices continue to rise.

“Customers are not coming like before. The increase in fuel prices has made transportation very expensive, and feed costs have also gone up. We had no choice but to adjust prices,” he said.

Another trader, Alhaji Idowu Aminu, attributed the surge to insecurity and wider economic hardship affecting livestock supply.

“Everything has increased astronomically. Insecurity and attacks on farmers have reduced supply. That is why prices have gone up,” he explained.

He noted that rams now sell between ₦700,000 and ₦800,000, compared to far lower prices in previous years.

Residents say the reality has changed the way Sallah is celebrated, with many households either buying smaller rams or foregoing the sacrifice altogether.

Babatunde Akorede, a buyer, said he was forced to revise his budget due to unexpected price increases.

“I planned for ₦300,000, but the seller later demanded more. Last year, I bought a similar ram for ₦250,000. This year it has almost doubled,” he said.

Another resident, Alhaji Olohunnishola Lateef, said demand has dropped sharply as many people cannot afford rams.

“No ram sells for ₦100,000 anymore. Prices have tripled. People are just managing what they can,” he said.

He added that he was only able to purchase one ram for ₦350,000 and urged Muslims to celebrate within their means while calling on government to address rising costs.

Meanwhile, Global Mirror News likewise gathered that parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway experienced temporary traffic congestion earlier today after ram traders moved livestock across the road between Fatgbem and Kara Bridge, causing delays for commuters.

Despite the challenges, Muslims across the Country continue to observe prayers and mark the spiritual significance of the day, even as economic hardship shapes this year’s Sallah celebrations.