Butchers in Lagos State are bemoaning the high cost of cow as they have recorded continued drop in the number of cows they slaughter daily.
According to the Lagos State Butchers Association, the number of cows slaughtered in the State has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000 daily.
This was disclosed by the association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Lagos.
Kazeem attributed the decline to the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges.
The association patron noted that the drop in cattle slaughter began in 2015 as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. He, however, stated that the situation worsened with the current exchange rate crisis and inflation.
“This reduction is due to numerous factors. And they included economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said.
Kazeem also expressed concern that the number of slaughtered cows could decline even further. This, he said would be due to rising prices in the market.
He said, “Previously, we could purchase a cow for between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000, depending on the breed, size, and location. But we now pay between ₦1.6 million and ₦1.7 million for a cow.”
Kazeem, therefore, attributed the drop in beef demand to the economic downturn, inflation, and rising cost of living.
He said, “Banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have also contributed to reduction in cattle production. A situation which has affected supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos.”
Kazeem warned that the decline could negatively impact meat supply in the State.
He, therefore, urged the State Government, butchers, and farmers to work together to address the issue.
“All hands must be on deck to tackle these challenges and create a more sustainable industry,” he said.
Kazeem also highlighted the impact of climate and environmental factors on cattle rearing.
“When temperatures rise, it can cause heat stress, reduction in cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility.
“Veterinary doctors from the Lagos State Health Ministry should conduct checks to ensure the cows’ health and prevent infections,” Kazeem added.
source: NAN
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