Sallah: Ram Price Hits N1.2m, Pepper Jumps 200% as Muslims Battle Hardship, Seek Alternatives

As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, popularly known as Ileya Sallah, soaring food prices, expensive livestock, and rising transportation costs are forcing many families to reduce spending, cancel travel plans, and embrace modest celebrations.

A market survey conducted across major cities showed that inflation, insecurity, high fuel prices, costly animal feed, and increasing transportation expenses have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper, and other household staples traditionally associated with the festive season.

At Orange Market, livestock trader Musa Ibrahim said many customers now visit markets only to check prices because they can no longer afford to buy animals.

Another trader, Lawal Adamu, blamed rising transportation costs and insecurity on highways for the sharp increase in prices.

According to roadside livestock seller Abdullahi in Nyanya, rams that sold for around N700,000 last year are now approaching N1 million.

At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available as of May 24, 2026, sold for about N275,000 after bargaining, while fully grown male goats sold for around N120,000.

The impact is also being felt in food markets across Lagos, where traders say the prices of staple ingredients have surged dramatically in recent weeks.

A tomato and pepper seller at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, lamented the sudden increase in food prices.

“Tomatoes and pepper are very expensive now. A basket of tomatoes is now N80,000. It used to be N52,000 or N53,000 before. A basket of pepper is now N45,000 whereas before it was sold for N15,000. Onion is now N90,000 for a bag; before it was N56,000,” he said.

Mrs Ruth Lawal, a foodstuff trader, said the rising prices of rice and cooking oil have made basic feeding difficult for average families.

“Before, a bag of rice like My Food and Blessed sold for N52,000, but now it is N65,000. For groundnut oil, 25 litres used to cost N50,800 but now it is N61,200,” she explained.

Buyers at various markets expressed concerns that many Muslim families may not be able to perform the traditional Eid sacrifice this year because of the high cost of livestock.

A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some households are now considering joint contributions to afford a ram.

“People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners. Some families may have to contribute money together to buy one ram,” he said.

Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said despite the economic hardship, many families are choosing to celebrate with whatever they can afford.

“We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home. The economy is hard, but we thank God we are alive to witness another Sallah,” he said.

Jimoh also urged Nigerians to celebrate moderately and avoid unnecessary financial pressure during the festivities.

A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage believers to celebrate within their financial capacity.

“Islam has made it easy for worshippers by ensuring that celebrations and sacrifices are done within one’s means. The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer, and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March, according to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold on May 27 and 28 across the country, but for many Nigerians, this year’s festivities may be defined more by economic survival than elaborate celebrations.