By Adenike Lawal
As preparations for the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir intensify, ram sellers at the Mai’adua International Market in Katsina State are facing sluggish sales, despite a noticeable scarcity of livestock.
The drop in patronage has been attributed largely to a recent export ban by neighbouring Niger Republic, which has significantly disrupted supply chains.
During a visit to the market on Sunday, traders expressed frustration over the double blow of limited supply and weak demand.
They pointed fingers at the Nigerien military government’s decision to halt the export of livestock;rams, cows, goats, and camels into Nigeria.
This move, they said, has crippled what is usually a peak period for ram sales.
The export ban comes even as the Nigerian government continues efforts to strengthen regional trade, including the ongoing multi-billion-naira Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway project, which aims to enhance cross-border connectivity and is expected to be completed by 2026.
President Bola Tinubu, during a recent visit to Katsina, underscored the importance of this infrastructure to regional cooperation.
Despite the shortage, ram prices have surprisingly dipped, indicating weak consumer demand. A large ram that sold for ₦1.7 million just a week ago now sells for ₦1.2 million.
Medium-sized rams that previously went for ₦700,000 have also seen reductions, with smaller rams starting at ₦100,000.
Bashir Hassan, a livestock trader from Niger Republic, confirmed that border restrictions are being strictly enforced. Law enforcement agents, immigration officials, and traditional authorities have all been mobilised to stop the movement of animals out of Niger.
He linked the directive partly to recent floods in regions like Niamey, Maradi, and Tawa, which led to the loss of thousands of livestock.
Authorities in Niger are reportedly concerned about a potential domestic shortage of animals during the Sallah season and are taking precautionary measures to ensure sufficient local supply.
Animals seized from smugglers attempting to breach the border have further reduced the number available in Nigeria.
Compared to last year, traders say customer turnout has significantly declined, compounding fears that this Eid season may record one of the lowest ram sales in recent years.
