The Lagos State Butchers Association reports that the number of cows slaughtered per day in Lagos State has decreased from 5,000 to 3,000.
Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, the patron of the association, revealed this in a Lagos interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
According to Kazeem, the country’s persistent socioeconomic problems are to blame for the downturn.
He pointed out that the Boko Haram insurgency started the decline in cow slaughter in 2015, and that inflation and the current exchange rate issue made it worse.
“This reduction is due to numerous factors, including economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said.
Kazeem voiced worry that growing market prices would cause the number of cows being slaughtered to drop even further.
“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,” he said.
He attributed the drop in beef demand to the economic downturn, inflation, and rising cost of living.
“Banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have also contributed to reduced cattle production, affecting supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,” he added.
He cautioned that the state’s meat supply may suffer as a result of the drop.
Kazeem consequently called on farmers, butchers, and the state government to cooperate in order to resolve the problem.
“All hands must be on deck to tackle these challenges and create a more sustainable industry,” he said.
The patron also highlighted the impact of climate and environmental factors on cattle rearing.
“When temperatures rise, it can cause heat stress, reducing cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility.
“Veterinary doctors from the Lagos State Health Ministry conduct checks to ensure the cows’ health and prevent infections,” Kazeem added.
NAN
