As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

Ram Prices Rise Sharply

Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

Food Prices Also Surge

Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

“People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

“We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

Calls For Moderate Celebration

A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

“The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.