Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s leading consumer of dog meat and ranks as the third-highest consumer globally, behind South Korea and Vietnam, according to the Dog Friendly Country Index. The finding has reignited debate over a practice that remains culturally accepted in parts of the country but controversial both locally and internationally.
BBC correspondent Ayuba Iliya visited one of Nigeria’s largest dog markets in Plateau State to understand what sustains the thriving trade. In the bustling open-air market, dozens of traders buy and sell dogs daily, with animals transported from nearby towns and villages to meet steady demand. Dog meat, popularly referred to as “404”, is sold roasted, cooked or prepared as pepper soup in roadside eateries.
Traders told the BBC that consumption is driven by taste, affordability and long-standing tradition. For many customers, dog meat is viewed as a normal source of protein, comparable to other forms of bush meat. Some consumers also attribute medicinal or strength-enhancing qualities to it, beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
The trade provides a livelihood for many people, including traders, transporters and food vendors, particularly in areas with limited economic opportunities. Despite changing attitudes in urban centres, demand in several states has remained consistent.
However, the practice has drawn increasing criticism from animal-welfare groups and public-health experts. Campaigners argue that dogs are often slaughtered in poor conditions and without regulation, raising ethical concerns. Health officials have also warned about the risk of diseases such as rabies, which remains endemic in Nigeria and can be transmitted through handling or consuming infected animals.
While some Nigerians defend dog-meat consumption as part of cultural identity and personal choice, others believe the trade should be restricted or banned, citing animal cruelty and public-health risks. As Nigeria continues to balance tradition with modern animal-welfare and health standards, the BBC’s visit has once again placed the country’s dog-meat trade under international scrutiny.
