The celebration of Eid-El-Kabir takes centre stage tomorrow, as Nigerian Muslims join other faithful around the world to mark the all-important religious festival.

The celebration of Eid-El-Kabir takes centre stage tomorrow, as Nigerian Muslims join other faithful around the world to mark the all-important religious festival. There are however speculations that the Eid celebration could be without much of the usual festivities and fanfare for many Muslim families in Nigeria. This indication is not farfetched from the prevailing economic reality in the country, with cash crunch hitting hard on the economy affecting many families.
Reports coming from the Muslim dominated northern part of Nigeria indicate that livestock sellers are not enjoying the boom in their business which is usually experienced during the Sallah celebration. Livestock dealers are reportedly complaining about the slow sales of their rams, as very few customers visit the livestock market in Kano city. The ram, which is the most essential commodity for the Eid-El-Kabir celebration because of traditional significance, is reportedly priced above the reach of average customers.
It was gathered that small rams are selling for around forty thousand naira, while very big rams cost as much as two hundred thousand naira.
Our Abuja correspondent JAMES IGAH reports that the situation is not much different around the Federal Capital Territory.
Here in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt; correspondent UCHENDU EJIOWHOR reports that Muslims are also facing financial squeeze in their bid to meet the demands of Sallah celebration. Livestock dealers in some markets visited complained of low patronage, while buyers lament about inflated prices.