Nigerian customs announces plan to distribute seized food items nationwide to reduce economic hardship

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed its readiness to distribute seized food items to Nigerians to help mitigate the current hardship in the land

Recall that hundreds of young Nigerians had taken to the streets in some parts of the country to protest the current hardship in the land and the high cost of food items.

Responding to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday unveiled plans by the service to distribute seized food items to Nigerians.

The service National Public Relations, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement, issued on Tuesday, said through the action the Comptroller General is reaffirming his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda.

According to him, the commitment is deeply rooted in the Service core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, and thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.

He said the urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within Nigeria 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.

“The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

“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” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has confirmed the interception of 45 trucks conveying maize to neighbouring countries.

He disclosed this during a conference on Public Wealth Management in Abuja on Tuesday.

“Just three nights ago, 45 trucks of maize were caught being transported to neighbouring countries. Just in that Ilela axis, there are 32 illegal smuggling routes,” the VP said.

He further explained that after the interception, the price of maize, which was the major grain being transported, came down by N10,000, falling from N60,000 to N50,000.

The VP alleged that some people are hell-bent on undermining the government, but called on Nigerians to coalesce into a singular entity.

The Federal Government is putting different measures in place to ensure food security across the country.