Top Story

Harsh economy: NIN required as Customs begins distribution of seized food items to poor Nigerians

He said Customs is collaborating with other agencies to ensure the direct distribution of these items to those in need, adding that the gesture was part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce food prices in the country.

810

In a bid to alleviate the current hardship in the country, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) said it has begun the distribution of seized food items to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, disclosed that Nigerians would require a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN) to benefit from the gesture.

He said Customs is collaborating with other agencies to ensure the direct distribution of these items to those in need, adding that the gesture was part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce food prices in the country.

He said: “Our target includes artisans, teachers, religious organizations and other Nigerians within the area of customs operations, including the border areas.

“The intention of this distribution is to reach out directly to members of organisations that have structures, to ensure the maximum impact of the exercise.

“The effort of the distribution is to ensure robust security protocol throughout the process, as officers will closely monitor the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or possible diversion of food items.

“We collaborate with other sister agencies of government, while customs is the lead agency because the food items are with us.

“Among us here are the police, DSS, and we are going to have a full department of all the sister organisations for proper monitoring.”

Adeniyi assured the public that the rice being distributed had been certified safe for consumption by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

He added that the rice has been repackaged into 25-kg bags to reach a broader segment of the population.

The customs boss also disclosed that 10 distribution points have been established, requiring interested Nigerians to present their NIN to prevent multiple benefits.

He urged citizens to report any instances of misuse or unauthorized resale, emphasizing their readiness to arrest and prosecute those found with stored food items.

Adeniyi provided an overview of the seized items, which include over 20,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, beans, maize, millet, and soy beans, and 2,500 cartons containing 963 bags of assorted dried fish, dry pepper, seasoning, salt, cooking oil, macaroni, sugar, and garri.

The Customs boss disclosed that over 50 trucks transporting these items are currently at the Customs area commands.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Just in: Senate confirms Omolola Oloworaran as DG PENCOM

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran for appointment...

Just in: Senate approves Tinubu’s $2.2 bln loan request

The Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2...

Just in: Reps reject bill for six-year single tenure for president, governors

The House of Representatives rejected a constitutional amendment bill on Thursday seeking...

Just in: Simon Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland over terror-related activities

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in...

Just in: FG sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Bernard Odoh,...

Senate raises alarm over fresh terrorists’ invasion from Mali, Burkina Faso, urges FG’s action 

Upset by the invasion of terrorists known as Lakurawa into Northern Nigeria...

Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ ambush: Defence HQ confirms killing of 5 soldiers in Borno

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists ambushed troops conducting...

Tinubu writes NASS for approval of $2.2bln fresh external loan

President Bola Tinubu has written to the National Assembly, seeking the approval...

NNPC Ltd’s spokesman, Soneye, explains delay in Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation, assures of imminent completion

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has acknowledged the challenges...

AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria’s Super Eagles Suffer Shocking 2-1 Loss to Rwanda

Nigeria’s Super Eagles concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers...

Tax reform bills: Nigeria struggling with tax-to-GDP ratio below World Bank’s 15 % benchmark – Speaker Abbas

Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has expressed...

Just in: Again, Anambra sit-at-home claims four vigilance operatives, motorcyclist

Gunmen enforcing Monday’s sit-at-home order in Anambra State launched a deadly attack,...

Tinubu departs Abuja for G20 leaders’ summit in Brazil

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on...

Breaking: APC’s Aiyedatiwa in landslide victory, wins all 18 LGAs in Ondo guber poll

The All Progressives Congress Candidate, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has swept the 2024...

Ondo guber poll: Aiyedatiwa votes, says exercise peaceful, PDP raises alarm over thugs invasion

As the Ondo State governorship election kicks off on Saturday, Gov. Lucky...

Late COAS Lagbaja buried in Abuja amid tears, tributes

Amid tears and tributes, the body of the late Chief of Army...

Tinubu appoints Daniel Bwala, Atiku’s ex-spokesman as Special Adviser on Media, three DGs

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Media...

Just in: Body of late COAS Lagbaja arrives in Abuja ahead of Friday burial

The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja,...

Tinubu Presides Over Crucial FEC Meeting to Unveil 2025 Budget Plans

The much-anticipated meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is underway with...

Breaking: NNPC Ltd. achieves milestone oil production of 1.8 mbpd

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced a significant...