Story by Dili Utomi.
In fulfillment of the promise made a few days ago as aligning with the federal government’s avowed desire to mitigate the hardship presently being experienced by the general populace, the Nigeria Customs Service is today commencing the sale of seized, but verifiably determined healthy for consumption rice to the public. The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Thursday affirmed the determination of the government to alleviate the suffering of the people through calculated interventions and clear thought out policies as he spoke with press men at the Harvey road, Yaba Lagos, Zonal Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said “In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy, particularly the lagged effects of insecurity and the current exchange rate issues. These challenges have exacerbated concerns about foods security leading to a concerning trend where food items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries. Some of the items include:
a. Over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans .
b. 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.
c. Others include, Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi (seasoning), Macaroni, salt, sugar and garri. This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security”.
He added “To address this, the NCS has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect our borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods. One concerning trend noticed is the outflow of food items in huge quantities, posing a threat to our food security. It should be noted that the condition for the export of any item is only met upon fulfilling sufficiency internally. In this regard, food items deemed not to fulfil these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders”.
The CGC informed the audience that “As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the NCS has secured approval from the government to dispose of these seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices. The criteria for Nigerians to benefit from this initiative include having a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN). 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 organised structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise”.
CGC Adeniyi noted that “To ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, NCS has put in place comprehensive measures. These measures encompass robust security protocols throughout the process. Our officers will be closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items. Moreover, we have established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need. Additionally, we will be working closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this programme.
His words “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 incident of misuse or unauthorised resale of the seized food items. NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or entity found to be in violation of the terms of this programme”.
He concluded that “the NCS is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and public service by upholding the highest standard of integrity and ethical conduct, the NCS will continue to earn the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people. As a responsive and forward-thinking organisation, the NCS will remain at the forefront of efforts to drive sustainable development, enhance competitiveness and promote inclusive growth”.
At the question and answer session, the CGC said that the Service has really thought about potential loopholes before choosing to sell the 25kg bag of rice at Ten thousand Naira only and with a National Identification Number before being attended to.
On the probable ocurence of violence, the CGC answered that the sale is being coordinated in conjunction with many of the nation’s security apparatus to forestall any stampede or violence. He added that at the Harvey road, Yaba point alone, at least ten tables are going to be used to accredite buyers before purchase and noted that the National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has certified the rice fit for consumption.
Crucially, CGC Adeniyi said that your NIN can only buy one 25kg bag of rice in this particular round of sales and that the Customs cannot go through groups to sell the rice because of the apparent tendency for abuse, he chipped in that some groups have been reached to participate in this sale, but that when they come, they will get the rice individually. The sale starts on Friday, the 23rd of February 2024.
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