In a pivotal press conference held in Lagos on February 22, 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, addressed esteemed members of the press, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers, stakeholders, and fellow Nigerians. The focus of the conference was to highlight the NCS’s commitment to ensuring food security for Nigerians amidst economic challenges.
Adeniyi commenced by acknowledging the critical role of the NCS in safeguarding the nation’s food security amidst prevailing economic challenges such as insecurity and exchange rate fluctuations. He emphasized the concerning trend of essential food items being illicitly transported out of the country, posing a significant threat to Nigeria’s food security. These items included over 20,000 bags of assorted grains, 2500 cartons, and 963 bags of dried fish, as well as other essential food commodities.
To tackle this issue, the NCS took proactive measures to secure government approval to dispose of seized food items at discounted prices to needy Nigerians. Eligible beneficiaries included individuals with verifiable National Identification Numbers (NIN), targeting groups such as artisans, teachers, nurses, and religious bodies within operational areas. This initiative aimed to directly address the food security concerns of vulnerable populations by ensuring equitable access to essential food items.
To ensure the integrity and security of the initiative, the NCS implemented comprehensive measures, including robust security protocols, strict eligibility criteria, and close monitoring of the supply chain to prevent misuse or diversion of the food items. Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s strong stance against profiteering or exploitation of the initiative, emphasizing transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Adeniyi concluded by reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to advancing the nation’s goals and objectives under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He underscored the organization’s dedication to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s role in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and public service, contributing to Nigeria’s progress and prosperity through sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The press conference concluded with Adeniyi inviting inquiries from the audience, emphasizing the collective responsibility in safeguarding the food security and well-being of the nation.