A few days to the Eid-al-Adha celebration, ram dealers at the Mai’adua International Livestock Market in Katsina State are lamenting low patronage despite a noticeable scarcity of animals.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the market on Sunday observed that the situation stems from a ban by the Niger Republic’s military authorities on the export of livestock to Nigeria. This development comes despite the Federal Government’s efforts to boost cross-border trade, including the ongoing multi-billion-dollar rail project from Kano through Jigawa, Katsina, and up to Maradi in Niger Republic, which President Bola Tinubu recently reaffirmed in Katsina is expected to be completed by 2026.
NAN reports that prices of rams have seen a decline in recent days. A large ram that cost ₦1.7 million a week ago now sells for ₦1.2 million. Medium-sized rams have also dropped in price, while smaller ones now start from ₦100,000.
Bashir Hassan, a ram dealer from Niger Republic, said the ban is due to widespread flooding in parts of the country, including Niamey, Maradi, and Tawa, which killed many animals. He explained that the Nigerien government fears a shortage of livestock during the Eid celebrations.
“The authorities have instructed security forces and traditional leaders to intercept anyone trying to move animals out of the country,” he said. “Many rams, cows, camels, and goats have been seized at the borders.”
The restriction, he noted, has led to a drop in supply. However, he also observed that this year’s demand is significantly lower than in 2024.
Another dealer, Alhaji Muazu Maifaru, noted that while Nigerien traders are hit harder by the ban, Nigerian dealers are less affected as the country still has large farms capable of supplying sufficient livestock.
“Despite the security issues in some areas, Nigerian farms can cater to demand and even export animals,” Maifaru stated.
He also pointed out that Nigeria continues to export several food items to Niger Republic, including maize, pepper, mangoes, and rice, mentioning the presence of “Mangal rice” in various parts of Niger.
Maifaru urged the Nigerien military government to reconsider the export ban, warning that such policies hurt regional trade and cooperation.
Follow News Review on Facebook and X
