Customs to begin distribution of confiscated food items

The Nigeria Customs Service announced that it has completed plans to begin the direct disposal of seized food products to Nigerians.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs’ National Public Relations Officer, stated this in a statement made on Tuesday.

Maiwada stated that the action was in response to the country’s severe food security concerns as well as the rising cost of basic foods.

He also stated that the commodities must be verified as fit for eating before they can be supplied to Nigerians.

Remember that hundreds of Nigerians have marched in certain states lately to protest the country’s rising cost of living? Nigeria is experiencing an economic crisis, and rising costs have made it difficult for many people to purchase food.

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.”

Furthermore, 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 will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need,” he said.

The NCS spokesperson went on to say that the service has undertaken a strategic anti-smuggling operation, as well as public engagement, to prevent the illegal exportation of important food resources for personal economic advantage.

“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, Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, underlined the service’s commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s food security initiatives.

He stated that the commitment was deeply embedded in the NCS’s basic mandate of serving the best interests of 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.