Customs Initiates Nationwide Sale of Rice For N10,000

In a bid to address food scarcity and counter the unauthorized export of essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of nationwide sales of forfeited food items at a subsidized rate. The initiative, starting on Friday, will make foreign parboiled rice available to vulnerable Nigerians at the cost of N10,000 per 25kg bag.

During the flag-off ceremony at the Zone A Headquarters Command, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the items for distribution were seized by the service in recent times. He expressed concern over saboteurs moving food items in large quantities out of the country, contributing to the scarcity experienced in Nigeria.

Adeniyi emphasized the unsustainable nature of this trend, putting pressure on the nation’s productive capacity and threatening food security. The items set for distribution include various grains, dried fish, cooking oil, spices, pasta, and more.

To counteract this challenge, the NCS has received government approval to dispose of seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices. The criteria for beneficiaries include possessing a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN), targeting groups such as artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and others within the operational areas of the Customs Service.

To ensure the integrity and security of the initiative, Adeniyi outlined comprehensive measures, including robust security protocols, monitoring of the supply chain, and collaboration with relevant agencies. He stressed that the items are not for resale, and the NCS is committed to transparency, urging Nigerians to report any misuse or unauthorized resale.

The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges and preventing the outflow of essential items, showcasing the NCS’s dedication to its mandate of safeguarding borders and protecting national interests.