Customs Initiates Distribution of Seized Food Items
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the distribution of seized food items as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate hardship in the country. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, announced the commencement of the exercise in Lagos, emphasizing that the distribution is aimed at reaching needy Nigerians directly.
Adeniyi stated that the Federal Government ordered the distribution of the seized food items and highlighted the need for recipients to have a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN) to benefit from the initiative. The target recipients include artisans, teachers, religious organizations, and individuals within the customs operations areas, including border regions.
The Customs boss explained the collaborative effort with sister agencies, such as the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure effective monitoring of the distribution process, preventing misuse or diversion of the food items. The distributed rice has been certified for consumption by the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), with re-bagging to 25 kg for broader reach.
Adeniyi disclosed that customs officers had intercepted over 20,000 bags of various food items, including rice, beans, maize, millet, suya beans, as well as other goods like dried fish, seasoning, cooking oil, and more. He urged Nigerians to report any misuse or unauthorized resale of the distributed food items, emphasizing that customs would take legal action against offenders.
The distribution is part of the government’s strategy to reduce food prices and address the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The CG highlighted the coordinated efforts of various agencies in fulfilling the mandate to protect borders from the influx of smuggled goods and the outflow of restricted items.
