The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned traders and market operators nationwide against hoarding and artificially inflating prices of staple foods during the Ramadan and Lent fasting period.
In a statement signed by Bala Musa, Director of Communication and Media, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the agency had received reports that some marketers were deliberately withholding essential food items commonly consumed during fasting, creating artificial scarcity and pushing prices beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
Issa-Onilu described the practice as economically harmful and morally indefensible, particularly during a season that promotes 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,” he said.
He warned that deliberate hoarding undermines economic stability, fuels inflation and worsens hardship for families already under financial pressure.
The NOA boss stressed that responsible market conduct is both a patriotic duty and a moral obligation, noting that fairness and moderation in pricing align with national values and religious teachings.
He urged trade associations, market unions and commodity groups to enforce internal discipline among members and collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to curb exploitative practices.
Issa-Onilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained public sensitisation across states and local government areas, promoting value reorientation, economic responsibility and national cohesion. He appealed to marketers to use the fasting season to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than seek opportunistic gains.
