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Hardship: Customs intercepts multi-billion naira food items being smuggled out of Nigeria

…As CGC flags off nationwide disposal of seized rice, other food items

 

Paul Ogbuokiri

 

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniy Thursday, in Lagos flagged off the disposal (sale) of several seized food items in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to vulnerable Nigerians across the country.

According to him, the move is in the determination Service to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians during this period of economic hardship and rising food insufficiency in the country.

The disposal of the food item at rock bottom price started on Friday across the Nigeria Customs formations in the country with the sale of 25 kilogramme bag of rice at N10, 000 only.

Advocacy Times Market Intelligence reports that 25kg bag of rice sells at an average N35, 000 depending on the location in the southern part of the country.

The CGC, Adewale Adeniyi in an address during the flag off of the interventionist initiative, stressed NCS’s commitment in protecting the country by ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians.

The Customs boss said that the government in recent months has been addressing the challenges faced within the Nigerian economy, “particularly the lagged effects of insecurity and the current exchange rate issues. These challenges have exacerbated concerns about food security, leading to a concerning trend where food items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries.”

In his words, some of the food items NCS has in recently intercepted, includes: Over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans and 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish, Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi and Macaroni, salt, sugar and  garri.

CGC Adeniyi said this trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on the nation’s productive capacity and threatens our food security.

“To address this, the NCS has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect our borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods.

“One concerning trend noticed is the outflow of food items in huge quantities, posing a threat to our food security. It should be noted that the condition for the export of any item is only met upon fulfilling sufficiency internally. In this regard, food items deemed not to fulfil these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders.”

He disclosed that as part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the NCS has secured approval from the government to dispose of these seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices.

According to him, the criteria for Nigerians to benefit from this initiative include having a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN), and the target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas.

Also, the intention is to reach out directly to members through these organised structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise,” CGC Adeniyi said.

He said to ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, the Service has put in place comprehensive measures which encompass robust security protocols throughout the process. “Our officers will be closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items. Moreover, we have established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need. Additionally, we will be working closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this programme.”

The CGC warned beneficiaries from the exercise that the items are not to be resold. “We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative. We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorised resale of the seized food items. NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this programme.”

He noted that NCS under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives, aligned with the administration’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria, “NCS is dedicated to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency.

“Recognising the significance of its responsibility to protect the society and facilitate trade, the NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians, CGC Adeniyi said.

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