COVID-19: Customs Release N3.3bn Worth Of Food Items To Nigerians

 

As part of measures to help the poor and vulnerable citizens, the Nigeria Customs Service in compliance with the presidential directive has approved the release of  N3.3bn worth of food items to its citizens.

The spokesman for the outfit, Joseph Attah, confirmed this in a press statement.

According to him, 158 trailers of rice in 46,000 metric tonnes; 30 trucks of vegetable oil, one truck of palm oil,  54 trucks of tomato paste,  two trucks of spaghetti and noodles, one truck of wrappers(Ankara) and one truck of lace fabric.

He summed up the market value of the items released to N3,251,806,000 with duty paid value of N2,034,953,765, adding that the food items distributed are National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC approved.

He said, “Reacting to the pains associated with the effects of the lockdown in some parts of the country, some Nigerians have taken to the social media to call on the Nigeria Customs Service to share seized rice and other edible items to members of the public

“While some of these calls appear well intended, others had attempted to create the impression that Customs officers have the liberty to use seized items as they deem fit. Some even mischievously impugned that the items may have already been shared with cronies.

“It is, therefore, necessary to explain that in line with the provision of section 167(2) of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004, seized items upon condemnation and forfeiture to the Federal Government by a competent court of jurisdiction,  are kept in the government’s warehouses pending directives on their disposal.

“Accordingly, in compliance with the Presidential directive, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) has already approved the release of the relief items to boost the Federal Government’s  continuous efforts to alleviate sufferings associated with the painful but necessary ongoing lockdown in some parts of the country.”

“As a responsible agency of government, the NCS appreciates the opportunity of contributing its quota to the Federal Government’s continuous efforts to provide relief for Nigerians in this difficult time.

“The NCS remains committed to strictly adhering to all extant laws governing seized and overtime cargoes.”

Attah urges Nigerians to support the government by following all health directive including social distancing and washing of hand. 

He added that customs service will continue to carry its duty effectively.