By Yusuf Aminu Yusuf

Livestock traders in Kano State are lamenting low patronage at major markets ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration, despite expectations of increased commercial activities during the festive period.

A visit to the Kofar Mazugal Livestock Market showed fewer buyers and slow business transactions, a situation traders described as unusual compared to previous years.

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The market chairman, Mallam Muhammad Chika, said traders are worried about the low turnout of customers, noting that many sellers have spent days at the market without making significant sales.

According to him, economic hardship and reduced purchasing power may be discouraging many residents from buying animals for the Sallah celebration.

“There is not much trading this year. Even with the reduction in prices, people are not coming to buy as expected,” he said.

Chika expressed hope that patronage may improve as the Eid celebration draws closer, but admitted that the current situation has created uncertainty among livestock dealers.

Some traders who spoke with SolaceBase said the situation reflects the general economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.

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One of the sellers, Habibu Aliko Koki, said the low turnout of buyers is affecting business across the market, adding that many traders are struggling to recover the money invested in purchasing and feeding the animals.

“It is not only livestock business that is affected. You can clearly see the difference between this year and last year,” he said.

Koki noted that the rising cost of animal feed has also worsened the situation for sellers, as maintaining livestock has become more expensive.

Another trader, Auwalu Sani Salisu, attributed the poor sales partly to public perception that livestock prices are beyond the reach of average buyers.

He explained that despite complaints about high prices, traders are facing increasing operational costs, especially in feeding and transportation.

Buyers at the market also acknowledged the low turnout, with some saying many families may not be financially prepared for the Sallah sacrifice this year.

SolaceBase observed that several sections of the market remained less busy during the visit, with many traders waiting for customers as the Eid al-Adha celebration approaches.