According to the Lagos State Butchers Association, the number of cattle slaughtered daily in Lagos state has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000.

The Patron of the association, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday.

Kazeem said the drop was due to ongoing socio-economic problems in the country.

He noted that the drop in cattle slaughter began in 2015 with the Boko Haram insurgency and has been exacerbated by the current exchange rate crisis and inflation.

“The drop is due to various factors including economic challenges, terrorist activities, and environmental issues,” he said.

Kazeem expressed concern that the number of cattle being slaughtered may further decline due to rising prices in the market.

“In the past, one could buy a cow for between 400,000 and 500,000 naira depending on the breed, size, and location, but now one is paying between 1.6 and 1.7 million naira for one,” he said.

He attributed the decline in demand for beef to the economic crisis, inflation,n and rising cost of living.

“Banditry and conflicts between farmers and herders have also contributed to the decline in cattle production, affecting the supply and number of cattle being slaughtered in Lagos,” he added.

He warned that the decline could adversely affect the state’s meat supply.

Kazeem therefore called on the state government, butchers, and farmers to work together to solve the problem.

“We all need to work together to confront these challenges and build a more sustainable industry,” he said.

The patron also highlighted the impact of climate and environmental factors on cattle rearing.

“Warming temperatures can cause heat stress, reducing cattle growth, milk production, and fertility.

“Veterinarians from the Lagos State Ministry of Health are conducting tests to check the health of the cattle and prevent infection,” Kazeem added.