Cattle prices in Nigeria have surged dramatically, with some cows now selling for as high as ₦2.5 million — a price that rivals or even exceeds the cost of certain cars. This sharp increase has left butchers in Lagos and other parts of the country expressing deep concern over the impact on their businesses and customers.
According to traders and meat sellers, the rising cost of cattle is largely driven by worsening insecurity in major livestock-producing regions, particularly in the northern part of the country. Frequent attacks, banditry, and clashes have disrupted cattle rearing and supply routes, making it increasingly difficult for herders to transport their livestock safely to southern markets.
In addition to insecurity, the cost of transporting cattle has also risen significantly. Fuel price hikes, poor road conditions, and multiple checkpoints have made logistics more expensive, forcing traders to transfer these costs to buyers. As a result, butchers now struggle to maintain profit margins while customers face higher meat prices.
Many butchers say the situation is becoming unsustainable, as fewer people can afford to buy beef at current rates. This has led to reduced sales and fears that the meat business could suffer long-term setbacks if the trend continues.
Industry stakeholders are calling on the government to address insecurity, improve transportation infrastructure, and stabilize fuel prices to help ease the burden on the livestock supply chain.
If urgent measures are not taken, they warn that the rising cost of cattle could further strain household budgets and worsen food affordability across the country.
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