As Muslims prepare for Eid al-Adha, ram sellers in Abuja continue to express concern over slow sales and rising prices in major markets across the city.
Many traders say this year’s market looks very different from previous Eid seasons, as fewer customers now show interest in buying rams.
At several ram markets visited in Abuja, sellers displayed rams of different sizes and breeds with prices ranging from ₦200,000 to as high as ₦2 million. According to the traders, the cost of transportation, feeding, and general economic hardship pushed prices higher this year.
Many sellers say customers visit the market daily to ask for prices, but only a few complete purchases. Some traders explained that people now negotiate more aggressively because of the current economic situation.
One seller said he expected stronger patronage by this period because Eid usually attracts large numbers of buyers. He, however, admitted that sales remain slow despite the increasing crowd in the market.
Another trader explained that many families who bought big rams in previous years now prefer smaller and cheaper options. He added that some customers even postpone their purchases because they hope prices will reduce closer to Eid.
Despite the slow business, the traders remain hopeful. Many of them believe buyers will troop into the markets a few days before the celebration. Some sellers also expressed confidence that last-minute shopping could help them recover their investment and make profit before Sallah.
The traders urged customers to buy early and avoid waiting until the final days before Eid. They warned that prices could rise further as demand increases closer to the celebration.
With Eid drawing near, ram sellers across Abuja now look forward to improved sales and better patronage in the coming days.
