Sallah Festivities Dimmed by Biting Hardship as Nigerians Grapple with Soaring Costs

Muslims in Nigeria are marking the 2025 Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebrations under the heavy cloud of severe economic hardship, with soaring costs of sacrificial rams, essential food items, and transportation significantly dampening the festive spirit. Many families are reportedly forced to scale back traditional celebrations, making difficult adjustments to cope with the unprecedented rise in the cost of living.

Reports from across the country indicate a widespread struggle among Muslim faithful to afford the customary ram for sacrifice. Prices of various sizes of rams have seen an astronomical surge compared to previous years, with some reports indicating prices have doubled or even tripled. For instance, a ram that cost N200,000 last year now starts at N600,000, while others report average rams selling between N550,000 and N700,000, depending on size and breed. In some cases, large rams are now priced at over N1 million.

This drastic increase has led many families to seek alternatives, such as pooling resources to buy a cow, which, despite its own high cost (ranging from N700,000 to N1.5 million or more), can be shared among several households, making the sacrifice more affordable collectively. Some are opting for smaller rams or even goats, while others, like Musa Nurudeen, a welder, confessed to foregoing the ram entirely this year, opting to slaughter goats they already own.

Beyond sacrificial animals, the cost of essential foodstuffs has also skyrocketed. A basket of tomatoes, previously N160,000, is now reportedly N220,000, and a bag of chili pepper has jumped from N120,000 to N200,000. While some basic items like rice and cooking oil have seen marginal price drops in some areas compared to recent highs, their overall cost remains prohibitive for many. Transportation fares have also surged as people travel to their hometowns, adding to the financial strain on families.

The current economic climate, marked by high inflation (reported at 23.71% as of April 2025), is attributed to various factors including the removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the Naira, increased transportation costs, and insecurity that has disrupted supply chains and agricultural output. Traders lament low patronage despite the festive period, with business owners in Abuja, Lagos, and other cities reporting reduced sales as consumers prioritize basic necessities over celebratory purchases.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has acknowledged the “struggles under economic and existential challenges” faced by Nigerians, urging political leaders to focus on resolving these issues rather than early campaigns for the 2027 elections.

Despite the biting hardship, the spirit of Sallah, which emphasizes sacrifice, sharing, and community, remains important. Islamic scholars have reiterated that the ram sacrifice is not mandatory for those who genuinely cannot afford it, and that those who can should share with their less fortunate neighbors. Many Nigerians are displaying resilience and adaptability, finding alternative ways to celebrate while holding onto the core values of the festival. However, the prevailing sentiment is one of muted celebration, overshadowed by the daunting economic realities confronting households nationwide.