The number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos has dropped from 5,000 to 3,000, says the Lagos State Butchers Association.

The association’s patron, Bamidele Kazeem, disclosed this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Kazeem said the number of cows slaughtered daily in Lagos dropped significantly due to the socio-economic challenges in the country. He said the number of cattle slaughtered per day in the state started dropping in 2015 when the issue of Boko Haram became predominant.

“This reduction was due to numerous factors, including economic challenges, terror-related activities, and environmental concerns,” he said.

Mr Kazeem expressed concerns that there would be a further significant decline in the number of slaughtered cows with the current price of cows in the market.

“Previously, we could purchase a cow for between N400,000 and N500,000, depending on the breed, size, and location. But we now pay between N1.6 million and N1.7 million for a cow,” he said.

He attributed the fall in the demand for beef to the economic downturn, inflation, and increased cost of living.

“Banditry and farmers-herder conflict have also contributed to the reduction in cattle production, thereby affecting the supply and the number of cows slaughtered in Lagos,’’ he said.

He said the decline would negatively affect the meat supply in Lagos. Mr Kazeem, therefore, urged the state government, butchers and farmers to join hands to address the issue.

(NAN)