Akinnodi Francis
& Lawrence Elisha

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Cow dealers in Nigeria have attributed the continuous increase in price of the animal to border closure across the country.
Chairman, Cow dealer at Sango cattle market in Akure, Mr. Lanre Azeez made this known while speaking with The Hope in Akure, yesterday.
He said dealers who import cows from Chad and Niger Republic are no more consistent due to the closed borders and the rampant kidnapping in the country.
“The cows we are buying now are mostly the smuggled ones with exorbitant prices if they are successfully brought in.”
According to him, “The price of cow has increased; about N50,000 has been added to every cow that is sold now. A cow that is sold for N100,000 before, now sells for N150,000 and even higher depending on the size.
“Considering the price, the patronage is low compared to before. We appeal to government to find solution to insecurity in Nigeria.”
Also, a butcher at the market, Abass Adegoke said, “Presently the price had gone up; everything in the country is costly now. Comparing the price, a cow which was sold between N100,000 and N120,000, now costs N200,000 now.
“The price has skyrocketed twice compared to before. Even we the sellers have no option than to sell according what we buy. The present situation has affected the market; no profit. A kilo of meat that was sold for N1, 500 before, now sells for N2000.”
He said the cow consumed in Nigeria is not produced here; most of the cows we consumed here are imported.
Another butcher at the market, Wale Akala said transportation also contributed to the increase in the price of cow.
“Transport fare for carrying it has risen and every expenses and money spent on it would be recovered. The price inflates everyday; the amount you buy an item today might not be the same tomorrow.”
They appealed to the government to consider reopening of the boarders to reduce price of some major commodities consumed by the citizens.