As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid al-Adha or Sallah celebration, rising food prices and worsening economic pressures are reshaping what was once a festive season marked by abundance, family gatherings, and sharing of love with the poor. For many low-income households, this year’s Eid may become a period of sacrifice in more ways than one.
Eid al-Adha, also known as ‘Eid-ul-Adha’ or ‘Babbar Sallah’ in Hausa, is a significant Islamic festival. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim‘s obedience to God, symbolising faith and devotion through his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Celebrations involve communal prayers, animal sacrifices (Qurbani), and distributing meat among family, neighbours, and the less fortunate.
In Nigeria, insecurity, inflation, and other social challenges are reshaping the significance of the celebration, according to Zainab Mohammed. High living costs and insecurity are preventing families from gathering to celebrate.
Despite official reports of inflation easing to 15.69 per cent, economic pressures, especially from food and energy costs, continue. Food inflation rose to 16.06 per cent in April 2026 from 14.31 per cent in March, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicating continued pressure on household spending.
However, rising food prices in Nigeria are impacting the traditional sharing of food among Muslim faithful and their neighbours during the Eid al-Adha celebration, a time typically marked by unity and family reunions.
Inflation, rising fuel prices, and increased transportation costs have led to a significant year-over-year price hike for popular celebration food items such as rice, millet, Semovita, tomatoes, pepper, onions, and vegetable oil, as well as livestock like rams and cows.
Prices in Nigerian markets have significantly increased. A basket of tomatoes, previously ₦35,000-₦45,000, now costs ₦80,000-₦120,000 depending on size and quality. Similarly, a bag of rice, which was ₦55,000-₦65,000 last Christmas, is now ₦85,000-₦100,000. Millet and Semovita prices have also risen.
Livestock prices in Southwest Nigerian markets have increased due to higher costs from the Northern source and amplified logistics expenses, driven by high energy costs.
At Maraba livestock market in Nasarawa State, medium-sized rams, which cost ₦150,000–₦200,000 last year, now start at ₦400,000, depending on size and breed. Larger rams exceed ₦1 million.
At the ram market in the Abattoir in the Ijaye area of Lagos, the cost of a ram now ranges from N500,000 to N1 million, depending on size and weight. Traders blamed the increase on the broader economic situation and rising logistics costs.
Adamu Sadiq, a ram seller at the market, said prices have risen sharply compared to last year.
“Last year, a comparable ram cost approximately N300,000, but due to the current economic climate, the price has risen to N400,000 or more,” he said.
Cows at Muhammadu Buhari International Market cost upwards of ₦1.5 million, while goats range from ₦70,000 to ₦180,000. Sellers report that most livestock originate from Maiduguri, Chad, Niger, Katsina, and Kano.
Across the country’s clothing markets, consumers favour affordable, ready-made garments over costly fabrics and tailoring. Popular options include Ankara, kaftans, guinea brocade, and simple native wear.
Tejumade Ademola, a clothing seller at Tejuosho market, Yaba in Lagos, said: “Clothing purchases have shifted, with customers now prioritising affordability. This trend is particularly evident among parents, who often buy clothes only for their children due to financial constraints.”
A buyer, Funmilayo Jolaosho, stated: “Family sustenance takes precedence over new Sallah attire due to economic constraints.
High transport costs and insecurity are dampening the Sallah celebration euphoria among Nigerians.
Yahaya Ahmadu, a tricycle driver in Abuja, plans to send money to his family of eight due to the increased transportation cost to Katsina, which rose from N15,000 to N25,000.
Despite higher transport fares, fewer Nigerians are travelling for Sallah this year compared to last. Many are still heading to northern states like Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna to celebrate with family, as observed at various Abuja transport parks, including Sani Abacha Bus Terminal, El-Rufai Park, and Nyanya.
Transport operators explained that fares have increased sharply due to fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses. Transport Fare Comparison: Abuja to Kano: Last year: ₦15,000 – ₦18,000 This year: ₦30,000 – ₦40,000 Abuja to Sokoto: Last year: ₦20,000 – ₦25,000 This year: ₦45,000 – ₦55,000 Abuja to Katsina: Last year: ₦18,000 – ₦22,000 This year: ₦35,000 – ₦45,000 Abuja to Zamfara: Last year: ₦20,000 – ₦25,000 This year: ₦40,000 – ₦50,000
Abubakar Garba, a commercial driver at El-Rufai Park, explained: “Rising fuel and spare part costs are severely impacting the transport business, leading to increased fares.
Unlike the mass movement to the Northern part, trickles are seen going southwards owing to rising insecurity on the roads to the region.
Paul Asukwo, a manager at Corporate Traveller, reports a decrease in road passengers to Lagos and other southwestern areas due to fears of bandits and kidnappers active in the region.
“Due to security concerns deterring travel, our price to Lagos remains N42,000.
Despite economic hardship, Nigerians are actively preparing for Sallah, with bustling markets and transport parks. Though inflation has led to reduced spending, the spirit of sacrifice, prayer, and togetherness endures as families anticipate the Muslim festival.
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