Lagos butchers lament as daily slaughter drops by 40%

The number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos State has dropped by 40 per cent— from 5,000 to 3,000— a development the Lagos State Butchers Association has said is worrisome.

The association’s Patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos, saying that the number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos dropped significantly due to the socio-economic challenges in the country.

He said the number of cattle slaughtered per day in the state started dropping in 2015 when the issue of Boko Haram became predominant.

He noted that the development was in line with the happenings in the country, ranging from the Boko Haram issue to the hike in the exchange rate.

“This reduction was due to numerous factors, which include economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said.

Kazeem expressed concerns that there would be further significant declines in the number of slaughtered cows with the current price of cows in the market.

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“Previously, we could purchase a cow for between N400,000 and N500,000, depending on the breed, size, and location, but we now pay between N1.6 million and N1.7 million for a cow,” he said.

He attributed the fall in the demand for beef to the economic downturn, inflation, and the increase in the cost of living.

“Banditry and farmers/herders conflicts have also contributed to the reduction in cattle production, thereby affecting the supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,” he said.

He said the decline would negatively affect the meat supply in Lagos State.

Kazeem, therefore, urged the state government, butchers, and farmers to join hands to address the issue.

“All hands must be on deck to address the issues to create a more sustainable industry,” he said.

The patron, however, described climate and environment as key determinants of growth or retardation in the cattle business.

“When the temperature increases, it can lead to heat stress, reducing cattle growth rates, milk production, and fertility.

“Veterinary doctors in the Lagos State Health Ministry perform checks to ensure the health and well-being of the cows to prevent any infection,” Kazeem said.