Jigawa butchers to hike prices as Eid-el-Kabir approaches

Butchers in Dutse, Jigawa State, say rising transportation costs may push up the price of slaughter and meat processing services during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The butchers, who spoke in separate interviews they said the increase in transport fares could disrupt operations at slaughter slabs and mobile service points.

A visit to the Dutse abattoir showed that slaughter and processing charges have already surged by about 200 per cent compared to the previous festive period. Current fees for slaughtering a ram start from N5,000 per head, while bulls attract charges of N20,000 and above, depending on size.

Processing services, including packaging and roasting, which previously cost about N5,000 for goats and N10,000 for rams, are also expected to rise.

The Head Butcher, Ado Sakin-Fawa, said the anticipated increase is driven mainly by higher transportation expenses. He noted that the previous Eid season was more favourable, as many households could afford the services.

According to him, transport fares to nearby areas such as Sabuwar Kasuwa, Shuwarin, and Wudil have risen sharply, increasing operational costs for butchers and meat processors.

He added that those offering home slaughter services may be forced to charge more to cover logistics.

Another butcher, Ahmad Mai-Nama, described the situation as economically uncertain, noting that while there are no fixed prices, charges would likely reflect prevailing market conditions.

He also observed that business activity has remained slow in the lead-up to the celebration.

Similarly, dried meat processor Babannan Abdullahi said processing costs could rise further due to increases in petrol prices and other inputs.

A suya vendor, Abdullahi Awaisu, attributed the rising service charges to inflation but expressed hope that improved economic conditions would boost patronage during the festive period.