NOA Cautions Traders Against Hoarding, Price Hike During Ramadan, Lent

NOA Cautions Traders Against Hoarding, Price Hike During Ramadan, Lent

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has warned traders and market operators nationwide against hoarding food items and inflating prices during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, raised concern over reports that some marketers are deliberately withholding essential commodities consumed during the fasting period to create artificial scarcity.

He warned that such actions could worsen the hardship faced by many Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.

According to Issa-Onilu, hoarding and arbitrary price increases contradict the spirit of compassion, sacrifice and generosity that define both Ramadan and Lent.

“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.

The NOA boss described the practice as economically harmful and morally unacceptable. He noted that deliberate hoarding fuels inflation, disrupts supply chains and places unnecessary pressure on families trying to meet their daily needs.

Issa-Onilu stressed that responsible conduct in the marketplace is both a patriotic responsibility and a moral obligation. He added that fairness, transparency and moderation in pricing align with national values and religious teachings observed during the fasting season.

He also urged trade associations, market unions and commodity groups to instill discipline among their members and discourage exploitative practices. He called on them to work closely with regulatory authorities to uphold ethical standards in the marketplace.

The Director General reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to sustained sensitisation campaigns across states and local government areas to promote value reorientation, economic responsibility and national cohesion.

He appealed to marketers to see the Ramadan and Lenten periods as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than avenues for excessive profit.

Issa-Onilu assured that the agency would continue to monitor developments and engage stakeholders to safeguard citizens’ welfare and strengthen the nation’s core values.