By Abubakar Yunusa
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has cautioned traders and market operators across the country against hoarding and arbitrary hikes in the prices of essential food items during Ramadan and Lent.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa.
Issa-Onilu expressed concern over reports that some marketers were deliberately withholding staple commodities widely consumed during the fasting period to create artificial scarcity and inflate prices.
He described the development as not only economically disruptive but morally indefensible, especially at a time when Nigerians are observing sacred seasons that promote compassion and sacrifice.
“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 DG said.
He stressed that deliberate hoarding undermines national efforts aimed at stabilising the economy, fuels inflation and compounds the hardship already facing many families.
The NOA boss maintained that responsible market conduct remains both a patriotic duty and a moral obligation.
According to him, fairness, transparency and moderation in pricing are in line with national values and religious teachings.
Issa-Onilu also urged trade associations, market unions and commodity groups to enforce internal discipline among their members and discourage exploitative practices.
He called for closer collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with ethical market standards.
The DG reaffirmed the agency’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 view Ramadan and Lent as opportunities to demonstrate integrity and social conscience rather than avenues for profiteering.
The agency said it would continue to monitor developments and engage stakeholders to protect citizens’ welfare and uphold national values.
