By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in compliance with the directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has began direct disbursement of siezed food items to Nigerians to help cushion the effects of food insecurity in the country.
The disbursement started taking place in all Custom's formations across the country on Friday, February 23, 2024, was flagged-off on Thursday in Lagos by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi who assured that they are commitment to align with President Bola Tinubu-led administration's plans to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity through ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians, added that, it is going to be a direct access to beneficiaries.
The CGC who appealed for transparency and accountability in the disbursement process, however, added that the siezed rice would be sold to the needy Nigerians at a discounted prices in areas of Customs operations, and warned against hoarding or reselling.
"The NCS secured approval from the government to dispose off the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices after satisfying the verification process of presenting the National Identification Number (NIN). The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas".
While noting that the intention is to reach out directly to members of the public through these organized structures as a way of ensuring maximum impact of the exercise, the CGC further 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.
Meanwhile, tale of woes is begining to trail the on-going distribution of food items as target beneficiaries are already complaining of ill- treatment and marginalization at some of the disbursment centres by the distribution officers. NNL.
