The Lagos State Butchers’ Association has raised concerns over the soaring cost of cows, warning that the escalating prices threaten the livelihoods of its members and could push the sector toward collapse. The association has called on the Federal Government to step in with urgent measures to stabilize the industry.
Chairman of the association, Taiwo Rasak, highlighted the dire situation during an interview in Lagos on Sunday. He explained that the rising cost of livestock had left many butchers struggling to maintain their businesses, with some facing the possibility of shutting down.
“At the moment, the cheapest cow you can get is N700,000, compared to N200,000 to N350,000 previously. Some cows are as high as N2,000,000 now, depending on the size. It is going to be even more expensive now that we are in the Ramadan season,” Rasak stated.
He described how the price surge had drastically reduced profit margins for butchers, leaving many unable to cope with the financial strain. In once-bustling meat markets like Oja Awolowo in Mushin, sellers now face an acute shortage, with stalls nearly empty.
While acknowledging the government’s past efforts to support the sector, Rasak urged authorities to implement more immediate and effective measures to address the crisis. He emphasized the need for greater investment in livestock production, which he described as a crucial step toward sustaining the meat industry amid skyrocketing costs.
According to Rasak, direct financial support for butchers and farmers would not only help stabilize supply and demand but also ensure affordability for consumers. He stressed that government interventions such as palliative loans must be efficiently disbursed to reach those most affected.
“To effectively alleviate the challenges faced by meat sellers, the government must ensure that palliative loans are disbursed efficiently to reach the intended beneficiaries. Those who genuinely require financial support to sustain their businesses must be sought after,” he said.
Rasak further called for a transparent and fair system in distributing financial aid, ensuring that struggling butchers receive the assistance they need to stay in business. He warned that without swift action, many sellers would be forced to abandon the trade, exacerbating food security concerns and affecting economic stability.
With the ongoing economic pressures, the butchers’ association remains hopeful that the government will intervene to protect the sector from further decline and support those whose livelihoods depend on it.
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