Customs starts distributing food and charges N10,000 for 25 kg of rice
The NCS Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this to reporters in Lagos, stating that the procedure for selling food items has been refined to the point where an application form containing all the applicant’s information, including their National Identity Number (NIN), will be filed and a bar code will be generated for the commodity’s pickup.
Ten registration stations will be made available to the general public, according to Adeniyi, in an effort to streamline the purchasing process.
According to the head of customs, the goal of selling the seized goods is to drive down food prices and increase the value of the Naira.
He issued a warning against selling rice that has been purchased again, stating that anyone found doing so would likely face arrest and legal action.
He clarified that the confiscated goods would be disposed of temporarily and mentioned that the primary audience for this gesture was extremely impoverished Nigerians.
“In guaranteeing food security for Nigerians,” he stated. We are here to highlight the NCS’s dedication to safeguarding our community by making sure that basic food necessities are available.
The administration has been tackling our economy’s problems in recent months, especially the ongoing exchange rate problems and the delayed consequences of insecurity.
“The NCS has obtained permission from the government to distribute these confiscated food goods to underprivileged Nigerians at a reduced cost, as part of our continued commitment to protecting the food security of Nigerians.
Within our operational areas, the target groups include Nigerians who work as craftsmen, teachers, nurses, and members of religious bodies. To guarantee that this activity has the most possible impact, members will be contacted directly through these structured channels.
“NCS has implemented extensive safeguards to guarantee the security and integrity of this program. These steps include strong security procedures all along the way. To guard against any abuse or misappropriation of the food products, our officers will be keeping a careful eye on the whole supply chain.
In addition, rigorous procedures and eligibility requirements have been set in place to guarantee that only those who truly need the things will receive them. In addition, to guarantee adherence to the program’s requirements, we will be collaborating closely with pertinent authorities.
The recipients of this exercise must be aware that the products are not meant for resale. We vehemently oppose any kind of exploitation or profit-making from this endeavor. We implore Nigerians to report any instances of improper use or unlawful resale of the food products that have been seized.
“NCS will not hold back in taking decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program. We are fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process.”
In a similar event, the NCS leadership said that the agency’s struggles with food security have made matters worse, which has resulted in a worrying trend where food products are being shipped in large quantities to neighboring nations.
He also revealed that there were almost 20,000 bags of various grains (rice, beans, millet, soy beans, maize, guinea corn, and 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish). Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, macaroni, salt, sugar, and garri are few more.
Because it strains our ability to produce and jeopardizes our access to food, this trend cannot continue.
“The NCS has responded appropriately to this by upholding its duty to guard our borders against the entry and departure of products that are prohibited. A worrying pattern that has been observed is the large-scale food item exports, which could jeopardize our food security. Please take note that achieving internal sufficiency is a prerequisite for any item’s export.
In this sense, food products that aren’t thought to meet these requirements are turning up in our border interceptions. By supporting the administration’s policies and aspirations for a thriving Nigeria, we will continue to advance the goals and objectives of the country.
“NCS is committed to carrying out its responsibilities in a quality and effective manner. Acknowledging the gravity of its duty to defend the community and promote commerce, the NCS is unwavering in its dedication to defending national interests and guaranteeing the welfare of every Nigerian.
Additionally, the NCS is dedicated to promoting an environment that values openness, responsibility, and public service. by keeping the greatest moral standards,” he said.
