Cows Cost More Than Cars, Lagos Cow Prices Soar to N2.5 Million

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Butchers Association has raised serious concern over the continued surge in cattle prices across Lagos markets. A single cow now sells for as high as N2.5 million, up from about N1.7 million in 2025.

NaijaChoice News reports that the association’s patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday. He said cows that went for N1.7 million last year are now priced between N2.3 million and N2.5 million.

Kazeem painted a vivid picture of the crisis. “The car I bought in 2020 for N2.1 million is now cheaper than the price of a cow,” he stated. He added that animals once sold for N1 million have virtually disappeared from the market.

The sharp rise has placed heavy pressure on butchers and ordinary consumers. Many traders are struggling to stay afloat while meat sellers find it difficult to meet daily demand in a city where beef remains a staple.

Kazeem blamed the situation on multiple factors. Insecurity along major supply routes from the north has reduced the number of cattle reaching Lagos. Recent increases in fuel pump prices have also pushed transportation costs through the roof.

Lagos still depends largely on northern suppliers because state-level ranching efforts have not started. Planned feedlot and ranching programmes meant to boost local production remain on paper.

The patron urged the state government to speed up work on the Eko Ranching project in Gbodu, Epe. He believes the initiative will cut reliance on distant suppliers, lower transport bills and bring down meat prices.

Kazeem stressed the wider benefits. “The gains of the ranch are enormous. It will provide job opportunities for our teeming youths and probably bring down the cost of meat,” he said.

This development reflects the broader difficulty many Lagos residents face as the cost of living continues to climb. Butchers and consumers alike are watching to see how quickly authorities respond to ease the burden on household tables.