- Decline in cow slaughter: The number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos State has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000.
- Causes of decline: Socio-economic challenges, including economic downturn, inflation, and increase in the cost of living, are major factors.
- Rise in cow prices: The current market price of cows has increased to between N1.6 million and N1.7 million, from N400,000 to N500,000 previously.
- Impact on meat supply: The decline in cow slaughter is expected to negatively impact meat supply in Lagos State.
- Call for collaboration: The Lagos State Butchers Association has urged the state government, butchers, and farmers to work together to address the issue.
The Lagos State Butchers Association has reported a significant drop in the number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos State, from 5,000 to 3,000. According to Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, the association’s patron, this decline is largely due to socio-economic challenges in the country, including economic downturn, inflation, and increase in the cost of living .
Kazeem noted that the number of cattle slaughtered per day in the state started dropping in 2015, coinciding with the rise of Boko Haram. He also cited terror-related activities, environmental concerns, and banditry as contributing factors to the decline.
The current market price of cows, which has risen to between N1.6 million and N1.7 million, is also a significant factor. Previously, cows could be purchased for between N400,000 and N500,000.
Kazeem emphasized that the decline would negatively impact meat supply in Lagos State and urged the state government, butchers, and farmers to collaborate to address the issue. He also highlighted the importance of climate and environment in the cattle business, noting that temperature increases can lead to heat stress, reducing cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility .
