Some butchers in Dutse, Jigawa, have raised concerns over increasing transportation costs, warning that the situation could lead to higher slaughter and meat processing charges during this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The butchers said the rising cost of movement within and outside the state was already affecting their operations and could reduce patronage during the festive period.
A visit to the Dutse abattoir showed that the cost of slaughtering and processing animals has increased significantly compared to last year’s celebration.
Currently, slaughtering a ram costs from N5,000 upward, while bulls attract charges of N20,000 and above depending on their size.
Processing services such as roasting, packaging and meat preparation have also become more expensive. Last year, processing goats and rams cost around N5,000 and N10,000 respectively, but operators say prices are expected to rise further this season.
The Head Butcher at the abattoir, Ado Sakin-Fawa, said transportation expenses had become a major challenge for butchers and meat processors.
According to him, transport fares to neighbouring areas such as Sabuwar Kasuwa, Shuwarin and Wudil have risen sharply in recent months, increasing operational costs for workers in the meat business.
He added that butchers offering home slaughter services may also be forced to increase their charges to cover transportation expenses.
Read Also:
Officer Accused of Coup Plot Challenges Military Court’s Jurisdiction
Another butcher, Ahmad Mai-Nama, described the current business environment as difficult and uncertain.
He explained that while there are no fixed prices for slaughter services, the economic situation and rising transport costs would naturally push prices upward.
Mai-Nama also noted that business activities ahead of the Sallah celebration have remained relatively low compared to previous years.
A dried meat processor, Babannan Abdullahi, said the soaring prices of petrol and ingredients used for processing meat would likely force operators to review their charges.
Similarly, suya seller Abdullahi Awaisu said inflation had affected almost every aspect of the business, leading to increased operating costs.
Despite the challenges, many operators expressed hope that economic conditions would improve and encourage better patronage during the festive period.
