As Nigerians observing the holy months of Ramadan and Lent, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a stern warning to traders and market operators across the country against hoarding staple foods and artificially inflating prices.
The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed deep concern over reports that some marketers are deliberately withholding essential commodities commonly consumed during fasting periods, creating artificial scarcity and pushing up prices to the detriment of ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” Mallam Issa-Onilu said.
He noted that such practices undermine national efforts to maintain economic stability, fuel inflation, and impose unnecessary hardship on families already navigating challenging financial realities.
Mallam Issa-Onilu urged trade associations, market unions, and commodity groups to exercise internal regulatory discipline, discouraging exploitative behaviour among their members. He emphasised the need for collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with ethical market standards.
The NOA DG further reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to nationwide sensitisation campaigns promoting value reorientation, economic responsibility, and social cohesion. He appealed to marketers to view Ramadan and Lent as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than as avenues for opportunistic gain.
The Agency confirmed that it will continue monitoring market activities and engaging stakeholders to safeguard citizens’ welfare while reinforcing the values that strengthen Nigeria’s social and economic fabric.
