Hardship: Customs to distribute seized food items across Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed readiness to distribute seized food items to Nigerians to help mitigate the current hardship in the land.

It said the distribution will be done after all the food items have been certified fit for human consumption.

It could be recalled that hundreds of young Nigerians had taken to the streets in some parts of the country to protest the current hardship in the land and the high cost of food items.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, in responding to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, unveiled plans by the service to distribute seized food items to Nigerians.

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A statement issued on Tuesday, by the service National Public Relations, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, said through the action the Comptroller General is reaffirming his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda.

It said the commitment is deeply rooted in the Service core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, and thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.

The statement said the urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within Nigeria and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.

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“Furthermore, 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.

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“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” it added.