Nigeria Customs Service Unveils Strategy to Combat Food Scarcity: CGC Adeniyi Launches Sales of Seized Food Items in Lagos
Amidst growing concerns over food insecurity, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at alleviating the plight of Nigerians grappling with food shortages. In a bid to complement the efforts of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has launched the sale of seized food items, starting with rice distribution in Lagos.
**Addressing Food Insecurity:**
Speaking at the launch of the rice disbursement program in Lagos on Thursday, February 22, 2024, CGC Adeniyi underscored the NCS’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians. Emphasizing the strategic distribution of rice to areas of customs operations, Adeniyi highlighted the importance of providing direct access to beneficiaries to address food shortages effectively.
**Transparency and Accountability:**
Adeniyi stressed the paramount importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution process, urging participants to utilize the rice for domestic consumption and refrain from selling it in markets or hoarding it for profit. He reiterated the NCS’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and urged Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items.
**Government Approval and Target Groups:**
The CGC revealed that the NCS had obtained government approval to sell seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices, following a stringent verification process requiring the presentation of the National Identification Number (NIN). Targeting various groups such as artisans, teachers, nurses, and religious bodies within customs operational areas, the initiative aims to reach beneficiaries directly through organized structures to maximize its impact.
**Social Welfare Responsibility:**
While highlighting the primary objective of the initiative to provide essential food items to those in need, CGC Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to enhancing its social welfare responsibility programs. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the seized food items are not resold, reaffirming the NCS’s stance against profiteering or exploitation of the initiative.
**Call to Action:**
As the NCS embarks on this landmark initiative to tackle food scarcity, CGC Adeniyi urged Nigerians to support the endeavor and adhere to the guidelines set forth to ensure its success. With the launch of the rice distribution program in Lagos marking the beginning of this transformative initiative, the NCS aims to make significant strides in combating food insecurity and improving the welfare of vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
