Customs to Auction 25kg Bag of Seized Foreign Rice @ N10,000 Beginning Tomorrow–CG

Given the hardship confronting Nigerians at the moment, President Bola Tinubu has approved the Customs to Auction the seized foreign rice in its warehouses.

Comptroller General of the Service, Wale Adeniyi, MFR, disclosed to newsmen yesterday that Customs to Auction a 25-kg bag of rice for N10,000. This is to cushion the effect of food scarcity in the country.

Adeniyi, however, stated that he does not believe that seized foreign poultry products should be auctioned to the public because of their health hazards.

Even the way and manner in which the poultry products are buried must be looked into and reworked, as the act alone might cause environmental hazards.

We are here to shed light on the commitment of the NCS to protecting our society by ensuring the availability of essential food items. 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 food security, leading to a concerning trend where food items are moving massively to neighbouring countries. Some items include:
a. Over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, and soybeans)
b. 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.
c. Others include dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, Macaroni, salt, sugar, and garri.

He stated that this trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security.

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.

According to him, 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 satisfying sufficiency internally. Food items deemed not to fulfil these conditions are showing up in our interceptions made at the borders.

He said, 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 organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise.
He stressed 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 program.

Beneficiaries of this exercise must 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.

NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to violate the terms of this program.

I shall conclude on the note that NCS, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives. Aligned with the administration’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria, NCS is dedicated to executing its duties excellently and efficiently.

According to him, recognizing the significance of its responsibility to protect society and facilitate trade, the NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.

Furthermore, the NCS is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and public service. By upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, the NCS will continue to earn the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.

He said, that as a responsive and forward-thinking organization, the NCS will remain at the forefront of efforts to drive sustainable development, enhance competitiveness, and promote inclusive growth. In doing so, the NCS will contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably among all Nigerians. Customs to Auction.

Customs to Auction bags of rice at the Lagos Customs headquarters, Harvey Road, Yaba, and headquarters in other states from tomorrow, February 23, 2024.

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