The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the distribution of food items confiscated from smugglers.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, revealed this during the launch of the initiative in Lagos state on Thursday.
According to him, the federal government has given approval for the distribution of these items to alleviate economic hardships in the country.
Currently, over 50 trucks containing confiscated food items are under the custody of the NCS at their area command.
“Our distribution targets various groups including artisans, teachers, religious organizations, and other Nigerians within customs operational zones, including border areas,” Adeniyi explained.
He emphasized the objective of the distribution is to directly impact organizations with established structures.
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Security measures are rigorously enforced throughout the process to prevent misuse or diversion of the food items, with collaboration from other government agencies including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Adeniyi disclosed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the distribution of rice, which has been repackaged into 25kg bags to reach more Nigerians.
Customs has seized a significant quantity of food items, including over 20,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, beans, maize, millet, soybeans, and 2,500 cartons containing assorted dried fish, dry pepper, seasoning, salt, cooking oil, macaroni, sugar, and garri.
Adeniyi issued a stern warning against unauthorized resale of the food items, stressing that individuals found with these products in their possession will face arrest and prosecution.
