President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to return confiscated food items at border communities to their owners, with the condition that they be sold in Nigerian markets. The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a meeting with residents of border communities in Katsina.
Adeniyi stated that Tinubu's directive was based on a sense of generosity towards Nigeria, rather than strict adherence to the law. He emphasized that the returned food items must be sold within Nigeria, and the Customs Service would monitor for any violations of this condition.
He highlighted Nigeria's current food emergency situation and the need to prevent the exportation of food items. Adeniyi mentioned the Export Prohibition Act, which prohibits the exportation of food items such as maize, millet, yam, beans, and sorghum. He noted that these laws would be reviewed once the nation achieves food self-sufficiency.
Adeniyi urged residents of border communities to assist the government in enforcing laws that prohibit the exportation of food items. He emphasized the importance of food security and the role it plays in preventing criminal activities. Adeniyi also paid homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Daura.
