NCS Ensuring Food Security For Nigerians……..as CG Bashir Set To Release 25kg Rice At #10,000,Other Food Stuff At A Cheaper Rate To The Public.

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 Admin

Lucky Akra

The Comptroller General of Customs,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR is set to sat the sales of seized Food items to volnorable Nigerians at cheaper rate.

He revealed this information today,Thursday, 22nd of Febuary,2024 during a press briefing held in Lagos.

According to CG Bashir,who brief the press about the recent activities of NCS in ensuring food security for Nigeria also shed more light on the commitment of the NCS in protecting the society by ensuring the availability of essential food items.

He stated,”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 items include:

a. Over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea

corn, millet, Soya beans

b. 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.

c. 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 fulfil these conditions are showing up in our

interceptions made at the borders.

As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of

Nigerians, the NCS has secured approval from the government to dispose of these

seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices. The criteria for

Nigerians to benefit from this initiative include having a verifiable National

Identification Number (NIN). The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses,

religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas. 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.

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. 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.

I shall conclude on the note that NCS under the leadership of President

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives.

Aligned with the administration’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous

Nigeria, NCS is dedicated to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency.

Recognizing the significance of its responsibility to protect the society and

facilitate trade, the NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding

national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.

Furthermore, the NCS is committed to fostering a culture of transparency,

accountability, and public service. By upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, the NCS will continue to earn the trust and confidence of the

Nigerian people. As a responsive and forward-thinking organization, the NCS

will remain at the forefront of efforts to drive sustainable development, enhance

competitiveness, and promote inclusive growth. In doing so, the NCS will

contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably among all Nigerians.