Economy
Abia, Imo Muslims Livestock Dealer Blame Low-Key Sallah Celebration On Poor Economy
Abia, Imo Muslims Livestock Dealer Blame Low-Key Sallah Celebration On Poor Economy
Abia, Imo muslims livestock dealer blame low-key sallah celebration on poor economy. In Abia, a roadside livestock dealer, Zakiru Husseini, said that the price of ram shot up by over 100 per cent.
Across-section of Muslim faithful in Abia and Imo states have blamed the low-key Sallah celebration on the economic downturn and high cost of livestock.
Speaking in separate interviews in Umuahia and Owerri, they complained that many families could not afford to buy ram because of the price hike.
Meanwhile, some of the livestock dealers attributed the low patronage recorded during the celebration to the more than 100 per cent increase in the price of ram in the market.
They also blamed the high cost of ram on the hike in transportation cost, saying that they were spending so much to bring down the rams from the North to South.
In Abia, a roadside livestock dealer, Zakiru Husseini, said that the price of ram shot up by over 100 per cent.
Mr Husseini said that a small ram sold for N60,000 last year now goes for N170,000, while a medium-size ram, sold at about N100,000 now sells for about N300,000.
He also said that the biggest ram, sold between N200,000 and N300,000 now sells for N600,000 or more.
According to him, the cost of transporting livestock from the North to Abia had put his business under serious stress.
“In the past, it cost between N1,000 and N2,000 to transport one ram from the north to Abia, but today, I pay N6,000 for one,” he said.
According to him, the hike in transport cost also affected other livestock and traders are finding it difficult to cope.
“Three years ago, if you had N1million you could buy between 20 and 30 goats, but now it is not the same. The situation is very frustrating and discouraging for us in the business,” Mr Husseini said.
He called on the Federal Government to evolve policies that would address the issue of high cost of transportation.
Also, Mohammed Mamman said that the price of livestock, especially ram, doubled because of the high cost of feeding and transporting them to Abia.
Mr Mamman said that one ram presently sells for between N150,000 and N200,000, arguing that the amount was beyond the reach of an average Muslim.
He also said that most of his customers resorted to observing the Eid in prayers alone this year, hoping that things would improve by next year.
In a related development, reports noted that transportation cost remained stable from Umuahia to other parts of the country, even during Sallah celebration.
The fare from Umuahia to Abuja costs N22,500, Umuahia to Kaduna costs N25,000, Umuahia to Bauchi costs N30,000, Umuahia to Owerri costs N3,000 and Umuahia to Port Harcourt costs between N4,000 and N5,000.
Also, from Umuahia to Lafia is between N18,000 and N20,000, while Umuahia to Jos is N25,000.
Umuahia to Calabar costs N13,500 and Umuahia to Lagos costs between N35,000 and N41,000.
A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who identified himself only as Francis, said that transport fares were stable, the Sallah celebration notwithstanding.
Mr Francis said that he anticipated a slight increase in fares after the festival when holiday makers would be returning to their base leading to a rush.
In Imo, livestock sellers in Owerri, the state capital, lamented low patronage during the celebration.
A visit to the livestock market on Egbu Road showed that the dealers still had a large stock of unsold animals.
A trader, Usman Halilu, stated that he bought 20 rams ahead of the celebrations but had only managed to sell three as of Saturday morning.
Mr Halilu said, “I always sold at least 25 rams during festive periods in previous years.”
Mr Halilu said that a large ram, sold at about N350,000 last year, now goes for at least N400,000, while those that sold for 200,000, now sell between N260,000 and N300,000.
He blamed the hike in the price of livestock on the high cost of animal feeds and transportation.
Another livestock dealer, Hassan Aliyu, said that the cost of transportation from the North shot up significantly before the Eid celebration, which reflected in the hike in the price of the rams.
He also said that goats, sold between N80,000 and N90,000 about one month ago, now sell above N110,000, while some go for as high as N120,000.
Interstate transport fares remained stable from Owerri.
From the city to Abuja by a 14-seater sprinter bus ranges from N35,000 to N39000, and between N28,000 and N45,000 to Lagos.

Muslims Livestock Dealer
Meanwhile, prices of food items, including rice, tomatoes, onions, yam, groundnut oil, and vegetables, surged significantly in major markets located on Douglas Road, Relief and World Bank areas.
At Relief Market, a trader, Judith Ikenna, said a bag of pepper, which sold for N150,000 previously, now sells for N200,000.
Ms Ikenna further disclosed that a basket of chili pepper, popularly called shombo, also went up from N120,000 to N180,000.
She said that tomatoes also went up significantly with a basket now selling for N180,000 as against N130,000 last week.
Musa Abubakar, who sells grains, said a 50kg bag of rice now sells between N110,000 and N120,000.
He said, “Many families are struggling to afford food and ram due to the harsh economic situation in the country.”
Economy
Governor Uba Sani Presents N985.9bn ‘People-Centred’ 2026 Budget To Kaduna Assembly
Governor Uba Sani Presents N985.9bn ‘People-Centred’ 2026 Budget To Kaduna Assembly
Governor Uba Sani presents N985.9bn ‘people-centred’ 2026 budget to Kaduna assembly. Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has presented a N985.9 billion 2026 appropriation bill to the state house of assembly for consideration and passage.
Speaking at the Lugard Hall on Monday, the governor said the draft budget emerged from “one of the widest consultation processes” ever undertaken in the state, involving traditional rulers, civil society organisations (CSOs), women’s groups, youth associations, business leaders and vulnerable groups across all local governments.
Sani described the budget proposal as a people-centred financial plan designed to consolidate ongoing reforms in security, infrastructure, education and rural development.
He added that the contributions of farmers, traders, teachers, artisans, persons with disabilities and widows formed “the backbone” of the proposal, strengthening participatory governance and accountability.
According to the governor, the appropriation bill comprises N734.2 billion in recurrent revenue and N251.6 billion in capital receipts, with capital expenditure accounting for 71 percent of the total figure.
He said education and infrastructure each received 25 percent of the draft budget, while health was allocated 15 percent.
Agriculture received 11 percent, security six percent, social development five percent, governance five percent, and climate action four percent of the proposed budget.
The governor also announced that every one of the state’s 255 wards would receive N100 million for community-identified projects under the ward development committee, which he said is “Nigeria’s largest grassroots budget model”.
He urged lawmakers to give the budget expeditious consideration, describing it as a vision of “renewal, resilience and far-reaching vision” for every ward and local government.
Reviewing the outgoing 2025 fiscal year, Sani said the period would be remembered for “remarkable achievements and resilient advancement”, despite economic headwinds, fluctuating federal allocations and persistent security threats.
On security, he said Kaduna faced threats ranging from banditry to kidnappings and communal conflicts, adding that improved collaboration with federal security agencies has restored confidence in many troubled communities.
According to him, previously divided communities are reconciling, farmlands are reopening, and schools once shut due to insecurity have returned to full activity through the Kaduna peace model.
The governor said his administration is executing 140 road projects covering 1,335 kilometres, adding that 64 roads have been completed.
The roads, he said, have opened new economic corridors and linked long-neglected communities.
He also said the Kaduna bus rapid transit (KBRT) system would be the first in northern Nigeria, featuring CNG-powered buses, digital ticketing and a 24-kilometre dedicated corridor.
Sani noted that the interstate bus terminal in Kakuri is 75 percent completed, while the subsidised transport scheme has saved residents more than N500 million through free and discounted rides.
He added that work on the Kaduna light rail is progressing, with phase 1 targeting the Rigachikun–Sabon Tasha corridor and phase 2 planned to link Millennium City to Rigasa.
‘300,000 CHILDREN BACK IN SCHOOL’
The governor said education remains the “cornerstone” of his development agenda, noting that 535 schools were reopened and more than 300,000 out-of-school children returned to classrooms in 2025.
Advertisement
He recalled slashing tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40 percent and listed other interventions, including the construction of 736 classrooms, renovation of 1,220 schools, and provision of water and sanitation facilities, furniture, and training for over 33,000 teachers.
In the health sector, Sani said all 255 primary healthcare centres have been upgraded to Level 2 status.
Advertisement
He also announced the renovation of 15 general hospitals, the completion of five, and the commissioning of the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital.
He added that the state has implemented CONMESS and CONHESS, strengthened emergency services, built an oxygen plant, improved the medical warehouse and set aside ₦1 billion to insure vulnerable households.

Uba Sani Says
The governor said agricultural investment rose from N1.4 billion (2023) to N74.2 billion (2025), enabling the distribution of more than 900 trucks of free fertiliser and expanded support for irrigation, mechanisation, vaccines and seed improvement.
He added that the African Development Bank-supported $510 million special agro-industrial processing zone project is transforming the state into an agro-industrial hub.
On skills development, he highlighted the establishment of the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, satellite campuses, partnerships with Microsoft and Google, and the ongoing remodelling of Panteka Market to support over 38,000 artisans.
ASSEMBLY PROMISES SPEEDY REVIEW
Yusuf Liman, speaker of the Kaduna state house of assembly, described the budget as “ambitious, comprehensive and aligned with the state’s development priorities”.
Liman said the proposal reflects a commitment to strengthening human capital, expanding rural infrastructure and ensuring balanced urban-rural development.
He commended the governor for granting lawmakers direct involvement in constituency projects and praised the executive-legislative synergy, which according to him, has accelerated development interventions.
The speaker promised a thorough review of the document and pledged that the assembly would work with the executive to ensure its speedy passage.
UBA SANI HAILS TAJUDEEN ABBAS
Meanwhile, Sani has hailed Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, as one of the most accomplished presiding officers in the history of the national assembly.
Speaking on Sunday in Zaria at the renewed hope empowerment programme sponsored by Abbas, the governor said the speaker’s ability to manage the complexities of the 360-member lower chamber sets him apart.
Sani, who was special guest of honour at the event, added that his assessment is shared by President Bola Tinubu.
“As a former senator, I know how difficult it is to preside over the house of representatives,” the governor said.
“No matter your competence, patience and hard work, one day you will be pushed to the wall. But as of today, in the history of Nigeria, no speaker has brought about development like Tajudeen Abbas,” he said.
“I’m not the one praising him; it was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who said it. I’m only repeating what he said.”
Sani said he is proud of Abbas for championing empowerment initiatives for youths and women, not only in his Zaria constituency but across Kaduna state and the country.
The governor also recalled that some political actors questioned his role in rallying support for Abbas during the contest for speaker.
“I told them my support was not based on politics. I will support anyone who will bring development to Kaduna state,” he said.
“Now, I have been vindicated by the projects he has executed and the empowerment programmes he is doing.
“I have told all legislators here that we can only be on good terms if they bring development to their people.
“Anyone who does not attract a school, hospital or any project to his constituency, we will part ways with him.”
Sani said the speaker has assisted all Kaduna federal lawmakers in securing projects for their constituencies, adding that Abbas is also personally executing projects across all 23 LGAs in the state.
He appealed for similar consideration for Sabon Gari LGA, saying residents want a stadium like the one being constructed in Zaria.
The event, held at Kofar Doka, featured the distribution of empowerment tools, including SUVs for traditional leaders; tractors, combine harvesters, fertiliser applicators and knapsack sprayers for farmers; as well as solar- and petrol-powered irrigation pumps.
Women beneficiaries also received deep freezers, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines and haulage tricycles.
Economy
APC Chieftain Asks Governor Otti To Review Levies Imposed On Aba Traders
APC Chieftain Asks Governor Otti To Review Levies Imposed On Aba Traders
APC chieftain asks governor Otti to review levies imposed on Aba traders. Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, has criticised Alex Otti, governor of Abia, over the “excessive” levies imposed on traders in Aba markets.
BACKGROUND
Some traders in Abia state recently appealed to Otti to intervene in what they described as the illegal demolition of their shops and the escalating cost of spaces in the market currently undergoing remodelling.

Alex Otti
They said the firm handling the project has not fulfilled its agreement to provide temporary accommodation and halt further demolition until existing work is completed.
Details Loading >>>
Economy
FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje Affected As FCTA Begins Enforcement On Revoked Property Titles
FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje Affected As FCTA Begins Enforcement On Revoked Property Titles
FULL LIST: Patience Jonathan, Ganduje affected as FCTA begins enforcement on revoked property titles. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has published the names of entities and individuals linked to 1,095 property titles recently revoked over the non-payment of statutory land charges.
The affected properties are located in high-brow districts including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse.
In a public notice signed by the FCTA management, the agency said enforcement actions against the properties will commence following the expiration of the final grace period of 14 days on November 25, 2025.
The FCTA said 835 properties defaulted in payment of ground rents, while 260 properties defaulted in payment of violation fee and land use conversion fee.

Patience Jonathan
Among the individuals whose properties were listed in the notice are Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Kano; Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River; Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan; David Mark, former senate president; and Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor of Osun.
-
Crime7 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News8 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
News10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
News9 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy7 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
-
Politics10 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares
