By Gabriel Ameh
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has warned traders and market operators across Nigeria against hoarding staple food items and artificially inflating prices during the Ramadan and Lenten seasons.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Agency, the NOA expressed concern over reports that some marketers are allegedly withholding essential commodities commonly consumed during fasting periods, creating artificial scarcity and pushing up prices.
Issa-Onilu described the practice as economically harmful and morally troubling, particularly during seasons observed by millions of Nigerians as periods of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion.
According to him, exploiting heightened demand for food items during religious observances places additional strain on families already grappling with economic challenges.
He noted that deliberate hoarding and price manipulation could undermine broader efforts to stabilise the economy and ease inflationary pressures.
The NOA Director General emphasised that responsible market conduct remains both a civic responsibility and a moral obligation. He urged traders to demonstrate fairness, transparency, and moderation in pricing, values he said align with national ethics and religious teachings.
Issa-Onilu also called on trade associations, market unions, and commodity groups to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms and discourage exploitative practices among their members. He encouraged collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to uphold ethical market standards.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide sensitisation campaigns across states and local government areas, aimed at promoting value reorientation, economic responsibility, and national unity.
The NOA stated that it will continue engaging stakeholders and monitoring market trends to safeguard consumer welfare during the fasting period.
The statement was signed by Bala Musa, Director of Communication and Media, NOA.
