Lagos butchers lament as cow prices soar to N1.7m

The number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos State has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000, according to the Lagos State Butchers Association.

The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos.

Kazeem said the decline was due to the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges.

He noted that the drop in cattle slaughter began in 2015 due to the Boko Haram insurgency and worsened with the current exchange rate crisis and inflation.

“This reduction is due to numerous factors, including economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said.

Kazeem expressed concern that the number of slaughtered cows could decline even further due to rising prices in the market.

“Previously, we could purchase a cow for between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000, depending on the breed, size, and location, but we now pay between ₦1.6 million and ₦1.7 million for a cow,” he said.

He attributed the drop in beef demand to the economic downturn, inflation, and rising cost of living.

“Banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have also contributed to reduced cattle production, affecting supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,” he added.

He warned that the decline could negatively impact meat supply in the state.

Kazeem, therefore, urged the state government, butchers, and farmers to work together to address the issue.

“All hands must be on deck to tackle these challenges and create a more sustainable industry,” he said.

The patron also highlighted the impact of climate and environmental factors on cattle rearing.

“When temperatures rise, it can cause heat stress, reducing cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility.

“Veterinary doctors from the Lagos State Health Ministry conduct checks to ensure the cows’ health and prevent infections,” Kazeem added.

NAN