Hardship Customs begins Nationwide sales of Rice at 10k each
February 23, 2024
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will today start the distribution of forfeited food items to Nigerians at ₦10,000 each
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’ disclosed this in Lagos on Thursday while briefing journalists during the flag-off of the sales at Zone A Headquarters of the Service.
The customs Boss stated that the items to be distributed formed part of the items seized by the service in recent time. He however said all the food items to be sold at lesser price has gone through certified tests by NAFDAC and other relevant safety requirements.
The CGC further told newsmen that the service has noticed that some people whom he described as saboteurs have started moving food items in large quantities out of the country.
He said this action by the group has also put pressure on the supply of food thereby creating scarcity around the country.
“In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our 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.
Some of the items include: over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans
2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish. Others include, Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi,
Macaroni, salt, sugar, garri” —The CG said
The trend according to him is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security in the country. To address this, the CG said 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”
The CGC further disclosed that as part of ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the service has secured approval from the Federal government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices of N10,000 per 25kg bag of rice.
He said criteria for Nigerians to benefit from the initiative include having a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN) and that the target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas.
“The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise”
According to the CG NCS has put in place comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of this initiative..
“These measures 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 program,” he said
The CG emphasised it is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold, adding that the service has taken a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative.
The customs Boss urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items . He assured that NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of the programme.