By Our Correspondent

National News – Butchers in Jigawa State have projected an increase in slaughter and meat processing charges ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration as rising transportation costs continue to affect their operations.

The development is expected to impact families and livestock owners preparing for the annual Muslim festival in major communities across the state.

The butchers, who spoke in separate interviews in Dutse on Thursday, said the surge in transport fares and inflation would force them to adjust prices for slaughtering, roasting and meat processing services.

According to operators at the Dutse abattoir, the increase became noticeable in the days leading to the festive season as operational costs climbed sharply.

Checks at the abattoir revealed that slaughter charges have risen by nearly 200 per cent compared to the previous Eid-el-Kabir season.

A ram now costs from N5,000 upward to slaughter, while bulls attract charges of N20,000 and above depending on their size.

Meat roasting and packaging services for goats and rams have also recorded significant increases.

The Head Butcher, Ado Sakin-Fawa, explained that transportation expenses from neighbouring communities and livestock markets such as Sabuwar Kasuwa, Shuwarin and Wudil were responsible for the hike.

He added that butchers offering home slaughter services may demand additional fees to cover movement and logistics costs during the festival period.

Another butcher, Ahmad Mai-Nama, described the economic situation as uncertain, noting that charges would largely depend on prevailing market realities.

He also lamented low patronage despite preparations for Eid-el-Kabir.

A dried meat processor, Babannan Abdullahi, linked the expected rise in service fees to the increasing cost of petrol and food ingredients, while suya operator Abdullahi Awaisu blamed inflation for the growing expenses.

Despite the challenges, the operators expressed optimism that patronage would improve during the celebration.