News in brief:
– Cattle prices in Abuja have risen sharply, with some cows now selling for over ₦2 million due to seasonal scarcity.
– Consumers are turning to fish and kpomo as beef becomes too expensive, while butchers report reduced sales
The cost of cattle has surged significantly in Abuja, leaving both butchers and beef consumers reeling under financial pressure. Butchers in major markets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say the price hike is driven by the transitional period between the dry and wet seasons, during which cattle become scarce.
Chukwuemeka Victor, a cattle dealer and butcher at Durumi market, explained that the increase in cattle prices is a seasonal trend. He said the outgoing dry season cows, which are older and leaner, are gradually being replaced by younger wet season cows, which are still in short supply.
Cattle prices double across sizes
According to Victor, prices of cattle across all sizes have almost doubled in the past week.
Small cows, previously sold for ₦350,000–₦400,000, now go for ₦500,000–₦600,000. Medium-sized cows, which were ₦600,000–₦700,000, are now priced between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. Large cows have soared to between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million.
The price of beef per kilogram has also risen from ₦5,000–₦5,500 to ₦6,500–₦7,000.
“This is the season when cattle prices are always high due to scarcity,” Victor explained. “By June or July, we expect the prices to drop when the wet season cows are more readily available.”
Butchers struggle as customers turn to alternatives
Theophilus Adeoye, a butcher at Nyanya market, said the situation is affecting his business. He noted that many of his customers are cutting back or switching to cheaper alternatives for their protein needs.
“We are running shortages now,” he said. “I’m only buying to maintain loyal customers who still patronise me.”
Consumers like Ifesinachi Okoro, a resident of Abuja, said beef is no longer within her budget, and she has switched to buying fish.
Food vendors are also adjusting. Beatrice Ejeh, who operates a local food stall, said she has increased the price of a piece of beef from ₦200 to ₦250.
“Many customers now eat without meat. Some just ask for kpomo (cow hide) to have something in their soup,” she said.
