Hardship: Meat sales drop as families switch to fish, egg, pomo

The meat business in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is facing one of its toughest periods in recent years as rising living costs continue to erode residents’ purchasing power. The FCT depends largely on livestock supplied from northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. However, growing insecurity along supply routes and rising fuel prices have disrupted the […]

The meat business in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is facing one of its toughest periods in recent years as rising living costs continue to erode residents’ purchasing power.

The FCT depends largely on livestock supplied from northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. However, growing insecurity along supply routes and rising fuel prices have disrupted the meat value chain, leading to sharp increases in livestock prices.

Traders said livestock prices have risen by more than 50 per cent, forcing many households to buy smaller quantities of meat or switch to cheaper sources of protein such as fish, eggs and cow skin (pomo).

Speaking at the Jahi Meat Market, Dauda Oseni said meat prices fluctuate frequently, making business increasingly difficult.

According to him, he previously bought two cow legs for retail sales but now purchases only one because of the high cost and declining patronage.

Another trader, who identified himself simply as Musa, said soaring fuel prices and the increasing cost of livestock had negatively affected his business.

He said many residents now prefer fish and kpomo because beef has become unaffordable and urged the government to implement measures to improve the economy.

Another meat seller, Ogbonna Uche, said although customers regularly complain about rising prices, he still manages to make modest sales because he has a loyal customer base.

He explained that he no longer buys a whole cow but now purchases only cow legs and tails to reduce operating costs.

According to him, many families have shifted to fish and eggs as more affordable protein sources, forcing both traders and consumers to adjust their spending habits.

Some residents who spoke with Abuja Metro said they had significantly reduced their meat consumption because of the rising prices.

Mrs Wasilat Ibrahim said buying enough meat to prepare a family-sized pot of soup has become almost impossible.

She explained that she now supplements small quantities of meat with fish and kpomo to prepare meals.

Another resident, Mrs Rachel Okonkwo, said she now relies more on dried fish and chicken, although chicken has also become increasingly expensive.

Mrs Uche said virtually every source of protein—including meat, fish, stockfish and kpomo—has become costly.

She added that she no longer prepares soup as often as she used to, preferring to cook stew with eggs and fish whenever possible.

According to her, salaries have remained largely unchanged despite rising food prices, making it increasingly difficult for many families to cope with the cost of living.