The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will distribute seized food items nationwide as the country faces a severe food crisis.
The NCS said the food items, which were forfeited to the federal government will be distributed to vulnerable Nigerians after undergoing scrutiny by relevant health agencies.
The move is part of the NCS’s measures to mitigate the food security challenges, aiming to ensure food availability and affordability for all Nigerians.
Additionally, the NCS disclosed that it has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation to curb illicit exports of essential food resources, which it said has contributed to the scarcity and inflation gripping the country.
Nigeria is facing its worst food crisis in decades, with nearly 27 million people at risk of facing sever hunger between June and August 2024, according to a UN report. The report cited continued conflict, climate change, inflation, and rising food prices as the key drivers of the alarming trend.
The food crisis has also been exacerbated by widespread flooding, dry spells, and desertification, especially in rural areas, which have resulted in decreased crop production and limited grazing land for livestock.
Many farmers in the north have abandoned their land due to the threat of violence from Insurgent activities.
However, mixed reactions have trailed the announcement by the NCS.
“I think it is a good idea, because many people are hungry and cannot afford to buy food in the market. The food items should be given to the poor and the needy, not to the politicians or the rich,” said Musa Shaibu, a trader in Abuja.
“I don’t trust the NCS, they are corrupt and incompetent. How do we know that the food items are not expired or contaminated? How do we know that they will not sell them to their friends or relatives? How do we know that they will reach the people who really need them?” said Aisha Ahmed, a teacher in Nassarawa.
The NCS initiative, if implemented effectively and efficiently, could be a positive step towards addressing the food crisis and alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians. However, it is not a lasting solution, as the underlying causes of the crisis, such as insecurity, climate change, poverty and poor governance, need to be tackled urgently and comprehensively by the government and other stakeholders.
