Cow Prices Surge Past Used Cars Amid Rising Costs

Butcher Alhaji Bamidel Kazeem reported that the price of cows has significantly increased, with some cows now selling for between N2.3 million and N2.5 million, compared to N1.7 million last year. He attributed this price hike to insecurity affecting livestock movement and rising transport costs, exacerbated by recent increases in fuel prices.

The cost of transporting cattle has skyrocketed, particularly in Northern Nigeria, which is the main source of livestock. Kazeem noted that local producers are struggling to meet demand, and the state government's feedlot ranch program has yet to commence.

He urged the government to expedite the implementation of the Eko Ranch project to increase local cattle supply, reduce transport costs, and ultimately lower meat prices. Kazeem lamented that cows previously sold for N1 million have become scarce, making it surprising to find any at that price.