Smuggled rice seized by Customs
Nigeria Customs Service says, it will disburse impounded food items in its stores nationwide to Nigerians.
This is “in response to challenges of food security and the soaring cost of essential food items in the country.”
Spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, who revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, however said, the food items must be certified fit for consumption before they will be distributed.
According to Maiwada, Customs will facilitate direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items.
“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.”
He added that the the modalities for the disposal would be communicated through NCS formations nationwide to ensure transparency, fairness, and public safety.”
“We pledge that this exercise would be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need,” he said.
He added that the Customs has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation as part of its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains.
“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. – PMN
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