President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to return confiscated food items seized at border communities to their rightful owners.
The announcement was made by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting in Katsina with residents from border areas at Kongolam and Mai’Adua stations.
President Tinubu’s decision, as conveyed by Adeniyi, comes not from legal requirements but from a genuine desire to extend goodwill to Nigeria.
However, there’s a condition attached: the owners must be willing to sell the items in Nigerian markets.
Adeniyi stated, “He has directed that those food items seized at various border areas, destined for export, should be returned to the owners under the condition that these goods are intended for sale within Nigerian markets.”
He further emphasised the monitoring of compliance with this condition, asserting that any violation would not be tolerated, and the returned food items would be reintroduced into the Nigerian markets.
Adeniyi also disclosed that President Tinubu plans to reopen borders soon, aligning with the government’s goal of promoting economic growth.
He assured border communities that the Customs Service is attentive to their concerns, particularly regarding the number of checkpoints and border closures.
Adeniyi explained, “Our operations are always guided by law, and we operate on delegated powers.
The President, being receptive to concerns, directed the release of confiscated food items with the stipulation that they are exclusively for sale in Nigerian markets.”
Highlighting the importance of keeping food within the country during a period of national emergency due to food insufficiency, Adeniyi urged collective efforts to enforce laws prohibiting the exportation of food items.
He emphasised the need for collaboration to ensure that food produced in Nigeria remains within the country and contributes to overcoming the challenges of the current national emergency.
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