The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has concluded plans to commence the direct distribution of seized food items to Nigerians.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Maiwada said that the move was in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring cost of essential food items in the country.
He added that the items must be certified fit for consumption before they could be distributed to Nigerians.
Nigerians in some states have recently demonstrated against the soaring cost of living in the country. Economic crisis and soaring food prices have triggered angry protests among Nigerians.
Maiwada said, “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 would be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our areas of operations”, he added.
He explained that the modalities for the disposal would be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, “with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety”.
“We pledge that this exercise would be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need”, he said.
The NCS spokesperson added that the service had 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.”, he said.
Earlier, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had reaffirmed the service’s commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
He said that the commitment was deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerians, “thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity”.
“The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation”. Adeniyi concluded.
