Butchers in Dutse, Jigawa State, have raised concerns over rising transportation costs, warning that the situation could lead to higher slaughter and meat processing charges during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The butchers, who spoke separately with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Dutse, said the increase in transport fares was already affecting operations at slaughter slabs and mobile meat processing services.
Findings at the Dutse abattoir showed that the cost of slaughtering and processing animals has increased by nearly 200 per cent compared to the previous festive season.
Currently, slaughtering a ram costs from ₦5,000 upward per animal, while processing a bull attracts charges starting from ₦20,000, depending on the size of the animal.
Meat processing services, including roasting and packaging, which previously cost about ₦5,000 for goats and ₦10,000 for rams, are also expected to rise further this season.
The Head Butcher at the abattoir, Ado Sarkin-Fawa, said the increase was mainly driven by the high cost of transportation.
According to him, transport fares to nearby communities and markets such as Sabuwar Kasuwa, Shuwarin and Wudil have risen sharply in recent months, forcing butchers and meat processors to spend more on movement and other operational activities.
He added that home slaughter services would likely become more expensive as operators try to cover transportation expenses.
Another butcher, Ahmad Mai-Nama, described the economic situation as difficult and uncertain, noting that although there were no fixed charges for slaughter services, prices would depend on the prevailing economic realities.
He also lamented the low level of business activities ahead of the festive period.
A dried meat processor, Babannan Abdullahi, also projected an increase in processing charges, citing the rising cost of petrol and other materials used in the business.
Similarly, Suya seller Abdullahi Awaisu said inflation had already pushed service charges higher, though he expressed hope that the economy would improve and encourage better patronage during the celebration.
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