As Muslims in Nigeria prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha, rising inflation is dampening the festive spirit, particularly as the cost of rams — central to the holiday’s traditional animal sacrifice — has surged to record highs.
In markets like Kara in Ogun State, once bustling with activity ahead of the holiday, ram prices have skyrocketed, creating a financial strain for many families. Prices have doubled or even tripled compared to last year, drastically reducing the number of buyers.
Abiodun, a Nigerian who traveled from London, shared his shock at the new price range. “The ram I bought for about 200,000 naira last year now starts at 600,000 naira. It’s becoming unaffordable,” he said.
This sharp increase is affecting a longstanding tradition that symbolizes faith, sacrifice, and gratitude for Muslims. What was once a cherished family ritual is now slipping beyond the reach of many.
Jaji Kaligini, a long-time ram trader in Kara, expressed deep concern over the slump in sales. “Everyone is suffering, and we don’t know what to do,” he said, noting the widespread financial hardship.
Nigeria’s inflation rate, now exceeding 23%, has been driven higher by fiscal policies introduced since 2023 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The measures have sparked the worst cost-of-living crisis in years, putting pressure on household incomes and threatening to diminish the joy of one of Islam’s most important celebrations.
As Eid approaches, many Nigerians are left weighing their faith against their finances, with the affordability of the sacrificial ram increasingly uncertain.