By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Federal Government has sounded a sharp warning to traders across the country: do not turn the sacred fasting season into a profit festival.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) yesterday accused some marketers of plotting artificial scarcity ahead of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season, a practice it says is punishing already struggling Nigerians and vowed intensified monitoring nationwide.
Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a strongly worded advisory, said intelligence reports showed that certain market operators were deliberately withholding staple foods commonly consumed during fasting periods in order to inflate prices.
According to him, the action amounts to economic sabotage wrapped in religious hypocrisy.
“This is a season of reflection, charity and compassion. It is disturbing that some individuals would exploit a spiritual moment for excessive profit at the expense of vulnerable citizens,” he declared.
The NOA boss warned that hoarding basic commodities such as grains and other essential food items undermines government efforts to stabilise the economy and directly worsens inflation.
He noted that many households are already battling rising living costs and that any attempt to manipulate supply during fasting periods would deepen hardship.
Officials fear the pattern could trigger panic buying, a development capable of destabilising markets nationwide if unchecked.
Issa-Onilu said responsible pricing was not only good business but a moral and patriotic duty, insisting that fairness in commerce aligns with both religious teachings and national values.
He called on market unions, trade associations and commodity groups to discipline members engaged in exploitative practices.
“Fairness, moderation and transparency are obligations not options,” he stressed.
The Agency announced it would activate nationwide sensitisation campaigns across states and local governments while working with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
NOA also urged citizens to report suspicious hoarding or coordinated price hikes.
The DG appealed directly to traders to see Ramadan and Lent as an opportunity to earn public trust rather than short-term profit.
“Let this season be remembered for generosity, not greed,” he said.
The agency said it would continue stakeholder engagement and monitoring to protect consumers and preserve social harmony throughout the fasting period.
