In response to the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its commitment to distributing seized food items nationwide.
The National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed that the food distribution will occur only after rigorous certification to ensure their fitness for human consumption.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Maiwada explained, “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. We pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.”
The NCS emphasised that this development underscores the commitment of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to furthering President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
“This commitment is deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity,” the statement read.
The NCS has additionally initiated a “strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement” as part of its commitment to thwart the illicit exportation of crucial food resources driven by individual economic motives.
