Hopping to Riches: How Jigawa Residents Make Fortune Selling Frogs
Frog trade in Jigawa State has transformed the lives of several individuals, providing substantial income and opportunities. Despite its profitability and contribution to local economies, frog trade pose environmental concerns, Muhammad Tahir and Idris Kamal, report.
For Muhammad Isah, a 32-year-old graduate of Crop Science, life after university was far from what he had imagined. Despite his aspirations for a white-collar job, unemployment forced him to explore unconventional options. Eventually, he found himself trading in frog meat, a business that has transformed his life.
“After graduation, I was idle and had nothing to do. I decided to join the frog hunting business to be self-reliant. Through this business, I make money and take care of my family,” Muhammad explained.
Today, he earns at least ₦150,000 monthly, a far cry from the uncertainty he once faced. His dreams now include building a house, getting married, and continuing to support his parents.
Hadejia, located in Jigawa State, has become the hub of Nigeria’s thriving frog trade. With growing demand for frog meat both domestically and internationally, this trade sustains livelihoods and generates significant revenue.
Yusufu Dapchi, a seasoned trader with 20 years of experience, shared how the business has enabled him to provide for his family of two wives and several children. “I was even able to perform the pilgrimage through this business,” he said.
Yusufu Dapchi, a seasoned frogs dealer, in Hadeja. Credit: Muhammad Tahir
But he noted challenges such as rising costs. “Previously, large frogs sold for ₦1,000 to ₦1,500 each, but now they go for ₦6,500,” he explained.
Chibuke Alex, a trader in Guri Local Government Area, transitioned from fish farming to frog harvesting 15 years ago and has not looked back since then. “The frog business is more profitable,” he said. Earning at least ₦15,000 daily, he now supports his family despite concerns about the impact of farmers-herders clashes and climate change in Jigawa.
Revenue Generation and Economic Contributions
The frog trade is not only a lifeline for individual traders but also a significant source of revenue for local and state governments.
Mr. Godwin Idu, chairman of the Frog Buyers Association in Jigawa State, emphasised its economic impact: “Aside from profits made by traders, we generate at least ₦90,000 in loading fees alone for the government. Each truck that transports frogs to the southern part of the country pays ₦30,000, and sometimes we load more than four trucks every Sunday.” This cumulates to over ₦1.4 million annually from truck loading alone.
Additionally, buses transporting traders and their goods generate weekly contributions ranging from ₦60,000 to ₦100,000. The demand spans across southern Nigeria and even international markets, including exports to China, the United States, and the Europe.
Godwin Idu, Jigawa state chairman of the Frog Buyers Association. Credit: Muhammad Tahir
The frog trade provided a lifeline to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Many IDPs who relocated to Hadejia from Borno and Yobe states have found economic stability through the trade.
Different sizes sticks of roasted frogs on display at Hadeja market. Credit: Muhammad Tahir
Alhaji Sulaiman, an IDP from Mallam Fatori, expressed gratitude for the opportunities the trade has provided: “Some members of our group now own houses, cars, and plots of land, thanks to this business.”
Similarly, Malam Aba-Borr Baga, another displaced individual, has built a successful frog trading business over the past decade. Supporting a family of two wives and 19 children, he also mentors four apprentices. Despite his success, he dreams of returning to his homeland in Borno State. “We are emotionally attached to our home. Many of us wish to go back one day,” he shared.
Frog meat is not a traditional menu in Jigawa State, where the predominantly Muslim population avoids its consumption due to religious belief. Islamic scholars have long debated the permissibility of eating frogs, with many citing prophetic traditions forbidding their killing and consumption. The prophet said, “Its (frog) croaking is tasbeeh (praising Allah).
However, demand for frog meat remains high in southern Nigeria and among international markets, sustaining the trade in regions like Hadejia.
Challenges and Environmental Concerns
Despite its profitability, the frog trade faces numerous challenges. Seasonal availability, rising costs, and inadequate infrastructure are recurring issues. Traders like Moses Classic, who relocated to Hadejia for the business, lament the lack of a conducive environment for their work.
Rising transportation costs, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, have also taken a toll. “Before subsidy removal, we spent ₦14,000 for a round trip. Now it costs almost ₦30,000,” said Mrs. Christina Akpepo, a trader from Benue State.
Frog traders open for business at Guri market. Credit: Muhammad Tahir
Environmental experts warn against the unchecked exploitation of frog populations, which could lead to habitat destruction and ecological imbalances.
“Stricter regulations are needed to prevent overexploitation,” urged Mr. Audu Oseni, an environmentalist.
Meanwhile, nutritionists highlight the benefits of frog meat, which is rich in essential amino acids, but caution against consuming toxic species.
As frog farming, or raniculture, gains traction, there are calls for government intervention to ensure sustainability. Traders and community leaders are advocating for a permanent market site and access to financial support.
“Over 5,000 people, including both natives and strangers, earn their livelihood through the frog trade,” said Mr. Idu.
This report is produced with support from Civic Media Lab (CML).
