MEAT TRADE RESILIENCE: How Butchers in Jigawa are thriving despite inflation
By Hydar R. Ali, Dutse
In Dutse Ultra Modern Market, Jigawa State, butchers are key players in the local food industry, with many passing down their trade from generation to generation.
Despite the pressures of inflation, the demand for fresh meat in Jigawa remains high, and butchers in Dutse Ultra Modern Market are capitalizing on this trend. Meat sellers, who purchase cows worth between 1.5 and 2 million naira daily, consistently sell out their stock, meeting the needs of the community.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi has transformed the market into a modern hub, improving accessibility and attracting thousands of customers. The newly revamped space offers a wide variety of goods, making it a central point for business activities.
However, inflation remains a significant concern for the butchers, as the price of meat has risen to between 7,000 and 7,500 naira per kilogram, putting pressure on their margins.
"Siraja Alhaji Uba, chairman Gbomo sellers, meet seller, said the meet price is still at 7000 naira par kilo however cattles are very cost we supposed to increase the price but considering how people are complaining that is why it still at the price. Gbomo kilo is 5500 naira and the people are trying in buying the meet. We thank God in this business because people are trying their best. My call to people is to exercise patience as everything concerning cost of product will reduce in the future".
According to Yahaya Bakano a Butcher in Dutse Ultra Modern Market "Alhamdulillah business, you know how the business is now days We used to slouter cows of 1.5 and 2 million naira a day. Issu of customers is unlike before, people like to buy meat but because of the socioeconomic situation this days people have to manage. No matter how we are satisfied because this is only our business".
Another Butcher Alfa Uba, stated "I slouter cows and sold them, since when I was young up till now that I depend on my self buying all the meet and sold it with my own capital. Alhamdulillah actually, because there is change of life now, before when we buy meet we sold in and realized profit but now we are only managing".
"By the grace of God we are pushing we are Praying to Allah to improve the business activities on Dutse.
Despite the challenges, customers have found ways to adjust to the rising prices" Alfa said.
Some customers have shared with skylink news that they continue to buy meat within their budget, showing resilience in the face of rising costs.
Butchers, often the unsung heroes of the food industry, continue to provide fresh, high-quality meat to our communities. From cutting and trimming to preparing sausages, they play a vital role in keeping the food supply chain intact.