They also called for urgent government intervention
through ranching to address the challenges in the sector.
The association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem,
disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in
Lagos.
Kazeem said the cost of beef had increased drastically
in recent weeks in Lagos, putting a significant strain on household budgets.
“The
flooding in the North has affected how cows are brought down to Lagos.
Transporting them is now more difficult and expensive,” he said.
He added that aside from the rise in transportation
costs, some traders were taking advantage of the situation to further inflate
prices.
“You know our people, they take the slightest
opportunity to hike prices,” he said.
Kazeem
explained that there were no major changes in the supply chain apart from
logistics, adding that prices could stabilise if alternative transportation
systems were improved.
“If the government can help us upgrade the rail system,
the prices can come down; that’s the only way forward in the short term,” he
said.
The patron also highlighted ranching as a long-term
solution to recurring challenges in the meat supply chain.
“To me, the only solution is this ranching. The
government is still trying with the ranching programme, and we need to support
that effort.
“The
Eko Ranching project is part of the state’s efforts to revamp the red meat
value chain, ensuring proper hygiene and quality control,” he said.
Kazeem said that by implementing the project, the Lagos
State Government aims to promote local cattle rearing, reduce reliance on
imports, and enhance food security.
The Patron said the project is expected to have a
positive impact on the state’s economy and the livelihoods of butchers and
cattle rearers.
He
urged authorities to invest in both rail infrastructure and sustainable
ranching to ensure a steady, affordable meat supply across the country.
A butcher at the Ogba Market area of the state, Isa
Ahmed, told NAN that cows that they used to buy between N1.1 million
and N1.15 million before Sallah had increased between N1.2 million and
N1.3 million, which even depends on the size.
Ahmed said one kilo of meat in the major Lagos markets
is N7,000 as against N5,000 some months ago.
Ahmed said they brought cows from Niger and Chad, noting
that the development contributes to the current hike in beef prices.
Another butcher who pleaded anonymity attributed the
price hike to the greed of retailers.
“The increase is not that bad; people are just used to
painting narratives to increase prices unnecessarily,” the butcher said.
0 Comments