Ileya Festival, also known as Eid al-Adha, presents a lucrative opportunity for livestock sellers, especially ram traders, in Nigeria. During this period, prices for livestock like cows, goats, sheep, and especially rams rise exponentially, offering a boon to farmers and juicy returns for investors and seasonal entrepreneurs.
During the 2024 Ileya (Eid al-Adha) festival in Nigeria, rams sold between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000, with some premium or bigger rams fetching up to ₦300,000 in certain markets. In some exceptional cases, due to the size and the market, some ram prices went as high as ₦1 million.
Cow prices also experienced a sharp rise, increasing from about ₦650,000 the previous year to between ₦1.2 million and ₦1.4 million in 2024.
The overall price surge was attributed to inflation, rising feed and transportation costs, and the general economic situation in Nigeria at the time. However, demand remains the chief driver of this surge.
If you want to maximise profits and meet buyers’ expectations, you must adopt a proactive and strategic approach. From selecting the right breeds to securing prime locations and offering flexible payment plans, early preparation can make the difference between high turnover and unsold inventory.
In this article, we outline practical tips for you as a livestock farmer or a seasonal livestock trader to optimise your ram sales during the 2025 Ileya season. This guide will help you stand out in a competitive market and increase your earning potential.
1. Start your sales early
The demand for rams peaks in the days leading up to the Ileya (Eid al-Adha) festival, but starting your sales early, in the week or even a month before the festival, offers significant advantages. It gives you more time to attract buyers, build trust, and secure repeat customers. Many buyers begin scouting for rams well in advance to compare prices and select the best. Early entry into the market also allows you to avoid the last-minute rush, when competition is highest and buyers may pressure prices downward.
2. Choose a strategic and accessible sales location
Location is critical to the success of your ram business. Set up your stall in a highly visible and easily accessible area, such as popular bus stops, garages, or busy markets. These locations attract more foot traffic and make it easier for buyers, who may be travelling from other areas, to stop, inspect, and purchase rams. Ensure there is enough space for vehicles to move in and out, making the buying process convenient for your customers.
3. Select the right ram breeds
The breed and physical characteristics of your rams can significantly influence your sales and profits. For the Ileya festival, buyers often prefer larger rams with more body hair, as these are considered more suitable for sacrifice and yield more meat. In Nigeria, popular breeds include:
- Balami: Known for its large size and white coat.
- Uda: Recognised for its distinctive black or brown front half and white back half, as well as its large horns and meat yield.
- West African Dwarf: Smaller but hardy and widely available.
Ensure your stock meets religious requirements for sacrifice, which typically include being free from defects and of a certain age and size.
4. Maintain high standards of animal health and welfare
Ram buyers during Ileya are particularly attentive to the health and physical condition of the animals. Only healthy, defect-free rams are accepted for religious sacrifice. To maintain your animals in top condition:
- Provide fresh water and adequate nutrition at all times.
- Keep the environment clean and well-ventilated to prevent disease.
- Regularly clean out the ram pens and ensure proper sanitation.
- Gently handle the animals to reduce stress, as stress can affect their health and market value.
- Engage a caretaker or livestock handler to monitor feeding, health, and cleanliness.
5. Offer a pricing range, flexible payment options and excellent customer service
Given the current economic climate and inflation, many buyers may be price-sensitive. Offer rams in various sizes and price ranges to cater to different budgets.
Consider introducing flexible payment plans or instalment options to encourage more sales and accommodate buyers who may not have the full amount upfront. Although you must take adequate measures to avoid bad debt.
Providing excellent customer service by being responsive to inquiries, offering advice on ram care, easy transportation and ensuring smooth transactions helps boost customer satisfaction, which may bring referrals. A professional and helpful approach encourages trust and repeat business.
6. Leverage social media, online platforms and advertise on multiple channels
Create engaging posts with photos and videos of your rams on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups popular in your community. Highlight key selling points such as breed, health status, and prices. Use live videos to answer questions and showcase your animals in real time, building trust and interaction
You can also combine traditional methods like flyers, local radio announcements, community bulletin boards and word of mouth with digital marketing to maximise reach.
7. Adopt good management practices
Efficient management is key to maximising profits and minimising losses:
- Avoid overstocking to reduce the risk of disease spread.
- Monitor the health status of each ram and isolate any animal showing signs of illness.
- Keep accurate records of purchases, sales, and expenses to track profitability.
- Reduce post-harvest losses by ensuring timely sales and proper handling
Capitalise on the seasonal demand
Ram sales during Ileya are highly lucrative, with profit margins ranging from ₦50,000 or higher per animal, depending on size and location. However, prices tend to drop sharply immediately after the festival as sellers rush to clear unsold stock. Plan your inventory and sales strategy to avoid being left with excess rams after the peak period.
By following these best practices, you can maximise your profits during the Ileya season, build a strong reputation, and establish a loyal customer base for future festivals.
