The number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos State has sharply declined from 5,000 to 3,000, according to the Lagos State Butchers Association.
The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, attributed this significant drop to a combination of socio-economic challenges, including rising inflation, insecurity, and environmental concerns.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Kazeem highlighted that the decline in cattle slaughtering began in 2015, when the rise of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast of Nigeria exacerbated already existing tensions in the country.
Kazeem also noted that this reduction aligns with various socio-political factors that have hindered the cattle industry, including a hike in the exchange rate and the ongoing farmers/herders conflicts.
“The reduction in cattle slaughtering is primarily due to economic challenges, terrorist activities, and environmental issues,” Kazeem explained. He went on to explain how these factors, both domestic and international, have had a detrimental impact on the cattle industry, especially in Lagos, where beef consumption remains high.
One of the major factors contributing to the decline in cattle slaughtering, according to Kazeem, is the rising cost of purchasing cattle.
The price of cows, which used to range between N400,000 and N500,000, has surged to between N1.6 million and N1.7 million per cow, depending on breed, size, and location.
This price increase has made it increasingly difficult for butchers to afford the cattle required to meet the demand for beef in Lagos.
Kazeem also cited the widespread insecurity in parts of the country, particularly the escalation of banditry and the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, as factors that have disrupted cattle production.
These issues have led to a reduction in the supply of cattle, making it difficult to sustain the volume of cattle slaughtered in the state.
“With the rising cost of cattle and the declining production, it is clear that we will face further significant reductions in the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,” Kazeem said.
This, he added, would have a direct impact on the supply of beef, leading to potential shortages and even higher prices for consumers.
The consequences of the reduction in cattle slaughtering are already being felt in the market, with consumers facing higher prices for beef, and some even turning to alternative protein sources.
The impact is particularly evident in the local markets, where the price of meat has increased significantly in recent months.
Kazeem expressed concerns about the future of the beef industry in Lagos, warning that if the current trend continues, there may be long-term repercussions for both the economy and the availability of meat in the state.
While the challenges faced by the livestock industry are multifaceted, Kazeem emphasized the need for government intervention to address the root causes, including insecurity, inflation, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Without such interventions, the decline in cattle slaughtering in Lagos may continue, ultimately affecting the livelihoods of many who depend on the industry for their income.
As Lagos grapples with these challenges, the future of its beef supply remains uncertain, with the ongoing socio-economic difficulties casting a shadow over the once-thriving industry.
