Lagos cow price surge hits N2.5m as butchers blame insecurity, fuel costs and supply shortages for rising meat prices

Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, Patron of the Lagos State Butchers Association, has decried a sharp increase in cattle prices in Lagos State, disclosing in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that the cost of cows has risen to as high as N2.5 million, intensifying a Lagos cow price surge that is placing severe pressure on traders and consumers.

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Alhaji Kazeem stated that cows previously sold for about N1.7 million in 2025 are now being traded between N2.3 million and N2.4 million, with some reaching N2.5 million in recent market transactions.

He described the situation as alarming and said the Lagos cow price surge has become crippling for butchers who are struggling to sustain operations amid rising procurement costs.

According to him, the increase has made it increasingly difficult to find cows priced at N1 million, a benchmark that was once common in the market.

Alhaji Kazeem noted that insecurity along livestock transport routes has significantly reduced supply from northern Nigeria, which remains the main source of cattle for Lagos markets.

He also attributed the escalating costs to rising fuel prices, which have driven up transportation expenses and worsened supply chain inefficiencies.

He said the combined effect of insecurity and high logistics costs has created a severe imbalance in supply and demand, further accelerating the Lagos cow price surge across major markets.

Alhaji Kazeem added that the situation has placed heavy financial strain on butchers, with many struggling to remain in business as profit margins continue to shrink.

He lamented that local cattle production in Lagos remains insufficient to meet demand, as the state’s planned ranching and feedlot initiatives are yet to commence.

He stressed that the delayed implementation of the Eko Ranching project in Gbodu, Epe, has prevented the state from cushioning the impact of rising import dependency from northern suppliers.

He urged the Lagos State Government to accelerate the ranching programme, stating that it would boost local supply, create employment opportunities, and help stabilise meat prices in the long term.

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As prices continue to climb, butchers and consumers alike are bracing for further increases, with many warning that without urgent intervention, meat affordability in Lagos could deteriorate further.