The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has taken a proactive step in addressing the current hardships faced by Nigerians by initiating the distribution of seized food items across the country.
In a bid to alleviate the challenges caused by soaring food prices and uneven availability, the Federal Government mandated the distribution of these confiscated food items.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, emphasized that Customs is collaborating with other agencies to ensure the direct distribution of these items to those in need. The target beneficiaries include artisans, teachers, religious organizations, and other Nigerians within the areas of customs operations, including the border areas.
To ensure the maximum impact of the exercise, the distribution is focused on reaching out directly to members of organizations that have established structures.
The Customs Service is working diligently to implement robust security protocols throughout the process, closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or possible diversion of food items.
Ten distribution points have been established, and interested Nigerians will be required to provide a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN) to access the assistance.
This measure aims to prevent multiple benefits and ensure that the aid reaches those who truly need it. The Customs Service has also collaborated with the police to prevent the resale of the food items.
Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of misuse or unauthorized resale, as the authorities are ready to arrest and prosecute those found with stored food items.
It is important to note that the rice being distributed has been certified safe for consumption by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The rice has been repackaged into 25 kg bags to reach a broader segment of the population. The seized items include over 20,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, beans, maize, millet, suya beans, and 2,500 cartons containing 963 bags of assorted dried fish, dry pepper, seasoning, salt, cooking oil, macaroni, sugar, and garri.
Currently, over 50 trucks transporting these items are detained by Customs area commands.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
