A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited the market on Sunday, noted that the drop in sales follows an export ban imposed by Niger Republic’s military authorities on the movement of livestock into Nigeria.
This development comes despite the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to boost trade with Niger, including a multi-billion-naira rail project connecting Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Maradi in Niger Republic.
President Bola Tinubu recently announced the project, which aims to be completed by 2026.
Prices at the market have also been affected. A large that sold for ₦1.7 million just a week ago is now priced at ₦1.2 million, while medium-sized rams have dropped from ₦700,000 to lower rates. Small rams currently start at ₦100,000.
Bashir Hassan, a ram dealer from Niger Republic, explained that the military authorities there have banned the export of camels, cows, rams, and goats due to heavy flooding earlier this year in cities like Niamey, Maradi, and Tawa, which killed many animals.
“The authorities fear a shortage of livestock during this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” Hassan said.
He added that police, immigration officers, the army, and traditional rulers have been ordered to seize any animals being taken across the border.
Many animals have been confiscated from those attempting to cross into Nigeria, causing a shortage in supply, even as buyer interest remains low compared to last year.
Alhaji Muazu Maifaru, another dealer, noted that the ban affects people from Niger Republic more severely than Nigerian dealers.
“But for the security challenges in some areas, Nigeria has big farms that can provide enough animals, even for exportation. People from Niger Republic are more affected than our dealers here in Nigeria, who mostly buy from them.”
He pointed out that Nigeria continues to export other goods like maize, pepper, mango, and rice to Niger Republic, with Nigerian rice brands commonly found in Niger markets.
“You see Mangal rice in many places in Niger Republic,” he said.
Maifaru cautioned the Niger military authorities about the negative impact of their export restrictions, urging them to consider how such policies harm international trade between the two countries.
