In a bid to address the growing concerns over food security amidst economic challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing essential food items, particularly rice, at discounted prices to needy Nigerians.
This initiative was unveiled during a press briefing by the Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, in Lagos on Thursday, who emphasized the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s food security.
Adeniyi highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that, “the trend of essential food items being smuggled out of the country in significant quantities is alarming and poses a severe threat to our food security.” He reiterated the NCS’s dedication to its mandate of protecting borders and ensuring sufficiency internally before permitting exports.
“We have secured approval from the government to dispose of seized food items; primarily rice, at a subsidized rate of N10,000 per bag to eligible Nigerians” Adeniyi announced.
He outlined the criteria for eligibility, including possessing a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN), and identified target groups such as artisans, teachers, nurses, and religious bodies within the NCS’s operational areas.
To ensure the integrity and security of the initiative, he informed that the NCS has implemented stringent measures. “We have put in place comprehensive security protocols and will closely monitor the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items,”
He emphasized the prohibition against reselling the distributed food items and warned of strict actions against any violations.
In his concluding remarks, Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We are dedicated to advancing national goals, fostering transparency, and promoting public service,” he declared.
The NCS pledged to continue contributing to the nation’s progress and prosperity by ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits among all Nigerians.
He stated that the commencement of this initiative marks a significant step towards alleviating economic hardships and enhancing food security for Nigerians.
