Inflation-weary Nigerians struggle to uphold age-old sacrificial rites as cost-of-living crisis deepens under Tinubu’s administration
As Nigerian Muslims prepare for the holy celebration of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic festival marked by the symbolic sacrifice of rams, many families are grappling with the harsh reality that this year’s ritual may be out of reach. Surging inflation, exacerbated by recent economic reforms, has caused the price of rams to skyrocket across the country, sparking concern among buyers, sellers, and religious leaders alike.
In Kara Market, one of Nigeria’s largest and most vibrant ram markets located in Ogun State, what is usually a bustling hub of trade and festivity has turned subdued. Traders report that customer traffic is at its lowest in recent memory, while buyers lament that the costs have become prohibitive.
“The ram I bought last year for ₦200,000 is now being priced at ₦600,000,” said Abiodun, a Nigerian visiting from London. “This isn’t just inflation—this is suffering. Eid should be a time of gratitude and giving, but now it’s filled with anxiety.”
Eid Traditions at Risk
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second of two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, an act replaced with a ram at the last moment. In Islamic tradition, Muslims honor this event by sacrificing livestock, typically rams, and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the needy.
But this year, with prices doubling or even tripling, many Nigerian households are being forced to forgo this spiritual practice or scale down their participation significantly.
“I’ve been selling rams here for over 15 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jaji Kaligini, a longtime vendor at Kara Market. “People come and ask the price, then walk away. Everyone is suffering, and we don’t know what to do.”
The Economic Strain Behind the Crisis
Nigeria is currently battling one of its worst economic downturns in decades, driven by a series of fiscal policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu since taking office in 2023. Chief among these policies were the removal of fuel subsidies and a controversial currency floatation strategy, both aimed at revitalizing the country’s economy but which have so far yielded painful side effects.
The result has been a surge in inflation, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting a headline inflation rate of over 23% as of May 2025. Food inflation, in particular, has crossed 31%, making basic goods increasingly inaccessible for average Nigerians.
“The price hikes are affecting every aspect of daily life, from transportation to food to now religious observance,” said Dr. Kemi Adeyemo, an economist at the University of Lagos. “For many Muslims, sacrificing a ram is not just tradition—it’s a sacred obligation. When they cannot fulfill that, it affects them both financially and spiritually.”
Rural Impact and Trade Disruptions
The situation is not confined to urban centers. In rural communities where livestock is typically reared, sellers are also facing challenges. Rising costs of feed, transportation, and veterinary care have driven up overheads, forcing herders and traders to increase prices.
Traders also cite logistical challenges such as fuel shortages, insecurity on highways, and rising transportation fees due to fuel deregulation. These have made it more expensive to bring livestock to markets across the country.
“Even transporting rams from the north to Lagos costs nearly twice what it did two years ago,” said Malam Isah Suleiman, a livestock transporter from Kano. “By the time we get to the market, we are already operating at a loss if prices don’t reflect those costs.”
Religious and Social Implications
The financial strain is also creating spiritual distress for many devout Muslims, who feel torn between religious obligation and economic survival. In some cases, families are pooling resources to buy a single ram or opting for smaller animals such as goats to fulfill the tradition in a modified way.
Islamic scholars and clerics have urged calm and offered theological reassurance.
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear,” said Imam Idris Akanni of the Al-Huda Mosque in Ibadan. “If you genuinely cannot afford a ram this year, your intentions are enough. Islam recognizes the hardship we face.”
Charity organizations have also stepped in, pledging to support low-income families with sacrificial animals. However, demand far outstrips supply.
“We’ve received over 3,000 requests for Eid assistance in just one week,” said Amina Balogun, director of the Lagos-based NGO Ummatul Rahman Foundation. “Sadly, we may only be able to support a fraction of those.”
Public Sentiment Turning Against Government Policy
While the government has defended its economic decisions as necessary for long-term growth, public sentiment is shifting. Critics argue that President Tinubu’s reforms, though well-intentioned, have deepened the hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“How can you talk of economic recovery when people can’t even afford to celebrate their religious festivals?” asked Ahmed Lawan, a political analyst in Abuja. “There’s a growing disconnect between policy and people’s lived realities.”
There have been renewed calls for targeted subsidies, especially during major religious observances, to cushion the effect of inflation on vulnerable populations. Some civil society organizations are even pushing for price control mechanisms during festive periods.
Looking Ahead: A More Modest Eid
As Eid al-Adha approaches, set to be observed on Sunday, June 16, many Nigerians are preparing for a more subdued celebration. The market frenzy typical of the season is notably absent in many parts of the country.
Still, some hold out hope that the essence of Eid—the values of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude—can still be preserved, even in the absence of lavish festivities.
“We may not have a ram this year, but we have each other, and that’s what really matters,” said Zainab Musa, a mother of four in Kaduna. “Allah sees our intentions. We will celebrate with prayer, with hope, and with faith.”
