Customs to Begin Another Round of Distribution of Seized Rice, Other Food Items

The hardship faced by Nigerians due to the skyrocketing prices of food, the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Ogun Command, has announced plans to begin another round of distribution of seized rice and other food items to citizens as soon as the Federal Government finalises the modalities for the exercise.

The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed by the federal government to distribute seized rice at a cheaper price to the public to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and ensure that they have access to affordable food.

The command is taking the directive seriously and is committed to ensuring that the seized rice is distributed fairly and transparently, with eligible beneficiaries carefully screened and verified before receiving the items.

The distribution of the seized items will go a long way in alleviating the hardship being faced by many families.

The command reminds everyone that smuggling is illegal and that those who engage in it are subject to serious penalties.

The public is urged to support the government’s efforts to crack down on smuggling and ensure that only legal goods are brought into the country.

In the meantime, the command has intercepted and seized fake drugs with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,739,000,000,00 (one billion, seven hundred and thirty-nine million naira) only for the 2024 fiscal year, along the Bakatari area of Omi-Adio, Ibadan.

Other seized goods include rice, vegetable oil, used clothing, used tyres, and more.

The command has been an enforcement-oriented one that prioritizes the fight against smuggling in all its operations.

They aim to alleviate the hardship presently experienced as a result of some economic saboteurs in the country.

The command will not tolerate anyone who is involved in smuggling or selling dangerous products.

For the period of 19th January to February, 2024, the command has intercepted and seized contraband goods, including foreign parboiled rice, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Indian Hemp, used tyres, used clothing and shoes, and fake pharmaceuticals.

The command reiterated its efforts towards the fight against ongoing economic difficulties by supporting the federal government to enhance food security in the country.

All borders within the command area of responsibility are still closed due to federal government policy on border closure, and as such, command officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing the smuggling of items that could compromise the health and well-being of citizens.

Finally, the command warns importers of fake drugs to desist from such activities, as the service will continue to take stringent measures to prevent the entry of such products into the country.

They also call on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons involved in the trade of fake drugs, saying, “We cannot do this alone.

We need the cooperation of the public to help us stamp out this dangerous trade.”