By EMMANUEL ANKELI, Sokoto –
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in compliance with the directive from President Bola Tinubu has began direct disbursement of seized food items to Nigerians to help cushion the effect of food insecurity in the country.
The disbursement which is expected to take place in all Custom’s formations was flagged off on Thursday in Lagos by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi who assured that they are commitment to align with President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s plans to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity through ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians, added that, it is going to be a direct access to beneficiaries.
The CGC, who appealed for transparency and accountability in the disbursement process added that, the seized rice would be sold to needy Nigerians at a discounted prices in areas of Customs operations, and warned against hoarding or reselling.
“The NCS secured approval from the government to dispose off the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices after satisfying the verification process of presenting the National Identification Number (NIN).
“The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas””
While noting that the intention is to reach out directly to members of the public through these organized structures as a way of ensuring maximum impact of the exercise, the CGC further emphasized that the initiative’s primary objective is to provide essential food items to those in need, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enhancing its social welfare responsibility programs.
“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative.
“We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items.” the CGC said.
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