NOA warns traders against hoarding, price hikes during Lent, Ramadan

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has warned traders and market operators across the country against hoarding and artificially inflating the prices of staple foods during the Ramadan and Lenten seasons.

The Director General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, issued the advisory amid reports of some marketers deliberately withholding essential commodities commonly consumed during fasting periods in order to create scarcity and raise prices.

Issa-Onilu expressed concern that such actions are worsening the burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly at a time when many households are already grappling with economic challenges.

He described the practice as not only economically disruptive but also morally wrong, noting that Ramadan and Lent are sacred periods that emphasise compassion, sacrifice, generosity and social responsibility.

According to him, exploiting the season for excessive profit undermines the spirit of the observances and places additional hardship on vulnerable citizens who should be supported during the period.

The NOA boss said deliberate hoarding fuels inflation, disrupts market stability and frustrates national efforts aimed at easing economic pressure on families.

He urged trade associations, market unions and commodity groups to enforce discipline among their members and work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure fair pricing and ethical conduct.

Issa-Onilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained sensitisation campaigns nationwide, stressing that Ramadan and Lent should be seen as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than avenues for opportunistic gain.