From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Chairman of Suya Arcade Market in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Chaba Rawaiya, has lamented the high cost of rams and chickens ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, saying only wealthy people can comfortably afford the sacrifice.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, Rawaiya attributed the low turnout of customers at the market to inadequate funds in the hands of many Nigerians.
“Despite the arrival of Eid-el-Kabir, many people are complaining of lack of money. Only those with financial strength can easily afford to buy rams this year,” he said.
The market chairman explained that while some residents may manage to buy chickens for the celebration, many families can no longer afford the cost of rams due to the prevailing economic hardship.
According to him, traders also faced serious challenges transporting livestock from Northern Nigeria to Cross River State, noting that the cost of transportation and other road expenses has increased drastically.
“If we travel to the North to buy chickens and rams and load them in trailer trucks, we spend more than N15 million on transportation and other expenses before reaching Calabar.
The money covers road expenses, revenue payments, and several other charges along the way,” he stated.
Rawaiya said the high transportation cost has greatly affected the prices of livestock in the market, making it difficult for average Nigerians to purchase animals for the Sallah celebration.
He, however, expressed hope that Muslim faithful would do their best to celebrate the festival according to their financial ability.
