Customs Tackles High Cost Of Food items ,Begins Sales of Seized Rice,others In Lagos

Customs Tackles High Cost Of Food items ,Begins Sales of Seized Rice,others In Lagos
…….as 25kg of rice sells for N10,000
……….CGC,warns rice not to be resold,as defaulters would be prosecuted

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a deliberate effort to mitigate the hardship currently experienced by Nigerians,the Nigeria Customs Service ,has commenced the sales of rice to Nigerians at the rate of N10,000,per 25 kg.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR,who kicked off the intervention program in Lagos, expressed commitment to align with President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s plans to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity by ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians.

Speaking at the flag-off of the rice disbursement program in Lagos on Thursday, February 22, 2024, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that the distribution of rice would be targeted at areas of customs operations, ensuring direct access to beneficiaries.

CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution process, urging Nigerians participating in the exercise to refrain from selling the rice in markets or hoarding it for purposes other than domestic consumption.

He warned that reselling or hoarding the food item would attract arrest and prosecution cof defaulters.
Speaking further, the CGC said the NCS secured approval from the government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices after satisfying the verification process of presenting the National Identification Number (NIN).

He emphasized, “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.”

He however, 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.

Answering questions from newsmen,on measures put in place to ensure transparency and avoid stamped that might result to fatalities,the CGC assured that adequate measures has been put in place to ensure that the process is hitch free,adding that the program would be jointly supervise along side other security agencies.

He said on order to avoid stamped ,there would be ten seeling points,in the centers to make the exercise seamless
He informed that the requirement to enjoy the benefit of the exercise is possession of National Identity Number(NIN),and a token of N10,000, which will go into the coffers of the Federal Government
CGC Adeniyi debunked the insinuation that the program is part of efforts to to meet the 2024 revenue target of the Service,noting that the process from the exercise would not be up to 1% of the revenue target.

CGC Adeniyi said the objective of the exercise is to make food available to Nigerians and also to force down the prices of food items in the market.