Niger Republic bans livestock exports, as Nigeria turns to Chad, Cameroon for Sallah rams
As Eid al-Adha approaches, there is growing concern among livestock dealers and buyers regarding the potential rise in prices of rams and other sacrificial animals.
This situation has been exacerbated by a recent ban on livestock exports imposed by the Niger Republic, which is a significant supplier of these animals to Nigeria.
In early May 2025, the Nigerien government announced a temporary ban on the export of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that this measure aims to stabilize domestic prices and ensure sufficient supply during the high-demand season leading up to Eid al-Adha, which will occur in early June this year. The Minister of Trade, Abdoulaye Seydou, emphasized that strict enforcement would be applied against violators of this ban.
This decision is particularly impactful because over 90% of Niger’s population is Muslim, and hundreds of thousands of sheep are traditionally slaughtered during Eid al-Adha. Consequently, the ban is expected to create supply shortages in neighboring countries like Nigeria and Ivory Coast that rely heavily on livestock imports from Niger.
Merchants in major Nigerian livestock markets have expressed concerns about potential price hikes due to reduced supply. For instance, Malam Abdullahi Abdul from Kano noted that many merchants are already seeking alternative sources from countries such as Cameroon and Chad to mitigate the impact of the ban. However, he acknowledged that while efforts are being made to bridge the supply gap, prices may still rise due to foreign exchange differences.
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The Maigatari International Livestock Market in Jigawa State has also reported disruptions due to this export ban. Local traders who typically source animals from Niger are now facing uncertainty as fewer animals are available for trade. This decline in market activity raises concerns about both buyers’ ability to find affordable livestock and sellers’ capacity to maintain their businesses.
Rising prices ahead of Sallah
Current market indicators suggest significant increases in livestock prices compared to previous years. Reports indicate that rams previously sold for around N120,000 are now priced between N170,000 and N200,000. Similarly, bulls that once cost N600,000 are now fetching between N850,000 and N1 million. These price increases pose challenges for many families who traditionally participate in the Sallah sacrifice.
Residents have voiced their worries about affordability; some have resorted to pooling resources with friends for collective sacrifices due to soaring costs.
Experts suggest that beyond the immediate effects of Niger’s export ban, other factors contribute to rising livestock costs. Issues such as rampant animal rustling and inadequate adoption of modern farming techniques exacerbate supply constraints. Dr. Aminu Rimi highlighted the need for implementing comprehensive strategies like the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) aimed at modernizing livestock production in Nigeria.
