In an effort to alleviate hunger and lower the skyrocketing cost of food in the nation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revealed on Tuesday that it will provide Nigerians access to food items that have been forfeited.
Among the goods confiscated by Service agents and awarded to the federal government by the court are rice, noodles, and groundnut oil.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the decision was made in reaction to the nation’s pressing problems, including the skyrocketing prices of basic food supplies.
He stated that the goods will be distributed fairly throughout Customs Areas of Operations across the country after being approved for consumption by the appropriate authorities and ordinary Nigerians.
Maiwada added that there will be a strong commitment to openness, equity, and public safety in the manner in which the procedures for disposing of the goods will be shared via NCS formations around the country.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria,” the statement reads. This dedication is based on the NCS’s fundamental mission to serve the Nigerian people’s best interests and promote economic stability and prosperity.
“In line with this vision, the Service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.
“Furthermore, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations (AoO).”
The Customs spokesperson went on to say that the initiative will be carefully overseen to guarantee that the benefits accrue to the majority of the nation’s impoverished citizens.
“The disposal procedures will be announced via NCS formations around the country, with a resolute dedication to openness, equity, and public safety. We promise to oversee this exercise carefully to make sure the benefits get to the people who need them the most.
“The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to preserving the food security of the country and improving the economic prosperity of every Nigerian.” We will overcome these obstacles and open the door for a more prosperous future for our dear country with the unshakable support and collaboration of the people,” the Customs spokesperson continued.