As the severe food crisis in the nation persists, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is attempting to disperse some seized food products nationwide.
According to CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations, the food items will be delivered only once they have been confirmed fit for human consumption.
“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,” he said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“These products will be distributed fairly throughout our Areas of Operations to ordinary Nigerians once relevant agencies have verified them fit for consumption.
“NCS formations will be used to communicate the disposal modalities.” 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 said the development reaffirms the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to advancing 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 also launched a “strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to preventing the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains”.