NOA Warns Traders Against Hoarding, Price Hikes During Ramadan, Lent

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has issued a stern warning to traders and market operators across Nigeria against hoarding essential food items and artificially inflating prices during the holy months of Ramadan and Lent.

In a statement released to journalists in Abuja, Issa-Onilu expressed concern over reports that some marketers are deliberately withholding staple commodities commonly consumed during fasting periods, creating artificial scarcity and driving 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,” the NOA DG said.

He emphasised that such practices are economically disruptive, morally indefensible, and contrary to the spirit of the season, which encourages compassion, sacrifice, generosity, and social responsibility. Hoarding, he noted, undermines national economic stability, fuels inflation, and imposes unnecessary hardship on families already facing challenging economic conditions.

Issa-Onilu urged trade associations, market unions, and commodity groups to enforce internal discipline, discourage exploitative practices among members, and work with regulatory authorities to ensure adherence to ethical market standards.

The NOA DG further called on traders to view Ramadan and Lent as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than as occasions for opportunistic gain.

He also reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ongoing sensitisation campaigns across all states and local government areas, promoting value reorientation, economic responsibility, and national cohesion.

“The deliberate hoarding of essential food items and price manipulation is unacceptable. Responsible market conduct is not only a patriotic duty but a moral obligation,” Issa-Onilu stated.

The National Orientation Agency will continue to monitor market developments and engage stakeholders to safeguard citizens’ welfare and uphold values that strengthen Nigeria’s national fabric.

End.