Hardship: Customs to use NIN for food distribution

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the presentation of National Identity Number (NIN) as a criteria for the collection of the food items across the country.

Meanwhile, the Service on Thursday commenced the distribution of seized food items to vulnerable Nigerians. 

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, who flagged off the distribution at the Zone A Command of the Service in Lagos, stated that the items to be distributed formed part of the items seized by the Service in recent time.

The CGC stated 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 food items being moved out 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. 

“This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security.  To address this, the 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 fulfill these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders” he added.

The CGC further said as part of ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the service has secured approval from the government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices of N10,000 per 25kg bag of rice.

“The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise. 

“To ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, NCS has put in place comprehensive measures. 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.

He said 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. 

He said: “We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items. NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program.”