Butchers and meat processors in Dutse have raised concerns over the rising cost of transportation, warning that it could lead to higher slaughter and meat processing charges during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
According to them, the increase in transport fares is already affecting operations at slaughter slabs as well as mobile meat processing services across the area.
A visit to the Dutse abattoir revealed that the cost of slaughtering animals and processing meat has risen sharply compared to the previous Eid-el-Kabir season, with some charges increasing by nearly 200 per cent.
Current slaughter fees for rams now start from about N5,000 per animal, while bulls attract charges of N20,000 and above depending on their size.
In addition, meat processing services such as roasting and packaging, which previously cost around N5,000 for goats and N10,000 for rams, are also expected to become more expensive this season.
The Head Butcher, Ado Sakin-Fawa, said operators were anticipating a significant rise in service charges because of increasing transportation expenses.
He noted that business conditions were more favourable during the last Eid-el-Kabir celebration when many families could conveniently afford slaughter and processing services.
According to him, transport fares to neighbouring communities and markets including Sabuwar Kasuwa, Shuwarin, and Wudil have increased considerably in recent months.
“As a result, butchers and meat processors now spend much more on transportation and daily operations,” he explained.
Sakin-Fawa added that operators providing home slaughter services may be forced to increase their fees to offset the additional transport costs.
Another butcher, Ahmad Mai-Nama, described the situation as difficult and uncertain, noting that there were no fixed prices for slaughter services due to changing economic conditions.
“This year, charges will most likely depend on the economic realities and transportation expenses at the time,” he said.
He also complained that patronage had remained low despite preparations for the festive period.
A dried meat processor, Babannan Abdullahi, also predicted an increase in processing costs, citing the rising prices of petrol and other essential materials used in the business.
Similarly, Suya seller Abdullahi Awaisu attributed the increase in service charges to the persistent inflation currently affecting the country.
Despite the challenges, operators in the meat business expressed hope that economic conditions would improve before the celebration, leading to better customer turnout and increased patronage.