The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Tuesday that it would distribute seized food items to Nigerians as palliatives.
The distribution of the food items according to the service is in a bid to help cushion the effect of the current economic hardship that Nigerians are suffering.
News About Nigeria reported that due to the increase in the prices of items in the market and the current decline of the naira against the dollar, many Nigerians in various parts of the nation, like Niger, Oyo, Osun, and other states, have taken to the streets to protest the impact of the hardship on them.
In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the service explained that all good items would be properly tested and deemed fit for consumption before they would be distributed to Nigerians.
He further explained that the decision was in response to the critical challenges of food security and the continuous increase in the cost of essential food items in the country.
In his own words, “To alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government.
“These items would be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our areas of operations.”
Maiwada also stated that the modalities for the disposal would be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, “with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety.”
He also added that the service would ensure that the palliatives are distributed to Nigerians who are truly in need of them.
