The Nigeria Customs Service said it has concluded plans to dispose of seized food items directly to Nigerians.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada.

Adeniyi said that the move was in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring cost of essential food items in the country.

He added that the items must be certified fit for consumption before being released to Nigerians.

“To alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government.

“These items would be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our areas of operations.”

He explained that the modalities for the disposal would be communicated through NCS formations nationwide “with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety.”
“We pledge that this exercise would be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need,” he said.

Adeniyi reaffirmed the service’s commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.

He said the commitment was deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerians, “thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.”
“The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation,” Adeniyi concluded.

Nigerian Newssphere recalls that Nigerians in some Kogi, Niger, Oyo and other states are protesting against the soaring cost of living in the country. Nigeria is suffering an economic crisis, and soaring prices have left many struggling to afford food.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, latest data, food inflation soared to an all-time high of 35.42 per cent in January.