Muslims across Nigeria are facing significant challenges as they prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Adha on Sunday, June 16, 2025, with prices of sacrificial animals reaching unprecedented levels due to border closures and ongoing economic difficulties.

The closure of the Nigeria-Niger Republic border following diplomatic tensions has severely disrupted livestock trade, particularly affecting key markets like Maigatari in Jigawa State. This restriction comes after Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing security and sovereignty concerns.

Isma'il Ahmad, a livestock trader from Maigatari, expressed concern about the situation. "You should see how they (Niger Republic) are preventing bringing any animals into Nigeria," he said. "They have closed their borders, and businessmen have been warned. I am afraid people would not be able to afford ram this year."

Market surveys reveal alarming price increases. In Maigatari, rams now cost between ₦150,000 and over ₦200,000. At Wurobagga seasonal market, prices range from ₦120,000 to ₦250,000, with some even higher. These figures represent a significant increase from previous years, making the traditional sacrifice increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerian Muslims.

Alternative Solutions Emerge

Faced with these challenges, many Muslims are turning to alternative arrangements to fulfill their religious obligations. One such option is "Watanda," a group arrangement where several people contribute to jointly purchase and sacrifice a cow or camel.

A Kano resident identified as Injiniya explained his approach: "My cow could sell for over ₦600,000, so five people, including myself, have agreed to use it at ₦120,000 per person." This method is becoming increasingly popular as it proves more economical and provides more meat per contributor.

In Borno State, the situation appears equally challenging. Muhd Musa Yerwa told reporters, "The least price I've seen so far is ₦90,000, while it moves to over ₦300,000. These are yet to be taken to the markets."

Religious Significance of Sacrifice

Malam Murtala Ahmad, an Islamic scholar in Kano, explained that while Hadaya (animal sacrifice) is not compulsory, it is highly recommended in Islam. He outlined the requirements for sacrificial animals, noting they must be healthy and free from defects.

"Muslims have been instructed to slaughter one of four kinds of animals—cattle, camels, sheep, and goats," he explained. "The least rewarded sacrifice is that done with the sheep, followed by the goat, then cattle, and finally the camel."

The scholar emphasized that beyond the spiritual value, Muslims are instructed to share the meat with friends, neighbors, and especially the poor—not to hoard it. This communal aspect of the celebration remains important despite economic challenges.

As animal markets continue to open across the country, many Muslims hope to find affordable options to fulfill both the spiritual and communal aspects of Eid-el-Adha amid Nigeria's pressing economic challenges.