The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has cautioned traders and market operators across the country against hoarding essential food items and artificially inflating prices during the Ramadan and Lenten seasons.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, Issa-Onilu expressed concern over reports that some marketers are deliberately withholding staple commodities widely consumed during fasting periods, thereby creating artificial scarcity and driving up costs.
He described the practice as both economically destabilising and morally questionable, particularly during a season marked by compassion, sacrifice, and generosity.
“This is a period that calls for reflection, charity, and empathy for the less privileged. It is deeply troubling that some individuals would exploit this spiritual moment for excessive profit-making at the expense of vulnerable citizens,” the NOA boss stated.
According to him, deliberate hoarding undermines national economic stability, fuels inflation, and imposes additional hardship on families already grappling with tough economic realities.
The agency emphasised that responsible market conduct is both a patriotic duty and a moral obligation, noting that fairness, transparency, and moderation in pricing align with national values and religious teachings.
Issa-Onilu further urged trade associations, market unions, and commodity groups to enforce internal discipline among members and collaborate with regulatory authorities to curb exploitative practices.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ongoing sensitisation campaigns nationwide, aimed at promoting value reorientation, economic responsibility, and national unity.
The NOA said it would continue to monitor market developments and engage stakeholders to protect consumers and uphold the values that strengthen Nigeria’s social fabric.
