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| Transportation Costs Impact Livestock Prices – Miyetti Allah |
Baba Ngelzarma, the national president of MACBAN, reported this to journalists on Friday in Abuja, noting that the increased costs of transportation have adversely impacted the livestock industry.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has attributed the recent surge in livestock and livestock product prices to the current exchange rate and the elevated cost of fuel.
Baba Ngelzarma, the national president of MACBAN, reported this to journalists on Friday in Abuja, noting that the increased costs of transportation have adversely impacted the livestock industry.
He pointed out that this issue has affected the livelihoods of pastoralists due to decreased demand from retailers and butchers.
Many pastoralists and retailers have ceased operations because of diminished buying power, he added.
In 2022, the cost of a mature cow ranged from N150,000 to N300,000, but it now varies from N500,000 to N2 million.
“A kilogram of meat that was once priced between N1500 and N2000 is now selling for N5,500 to N6,000, depending on the area.
“The general inflation in the nation, the high cost of petroleum, and the rising dollar value are all factors contributing to the increased cost of cattle nationwide. This is because the prices for cattle feed and medicine have soared.
“The heightened expense of moving cattle from the forest to the market and then to other regions of the country adds to the overall costs, including feeding,” he explained.
Ngelzarma called on the Federal Government to implement policies that would strengthen the naira and lower the cost of petroleum products.
He emphasized that the government should focus on subsidizing essentials to enhance accessibility and affordability for the populace.
“Subsidizing petroleum may lead to corruption, but subsidizing food will offer the public relief from the current inflation, significantly easing the hardships faced by Nigerians. Such a move would bolster our economy and draw foreign investment,” he stated.
