Customs Gets Presidential Nod to Distribute Rice to Orphanages

ABIOLA Seun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has got presidential approval to begin distribution of rice and other seized items to orphanages homes across the country.

This was even as the service said it has donated rice worth over N4billion to the Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Edo state.

Speaking at the end of the year press briefing with journalists in Lagos, the National Public Relation Officer of the service, Joseph Attah said arms, ammunitions, dangerous drugs and vehicles were seized between January and November 2018.

Attah who stated that the service seized goods worth over N40billion also said that the service recorded 4,010 seizures.

He said, “Rice and perishable items are being given to the victims of the unfortunate insurgency in the North East. So far, a total of 424,391 (50kg) bags of rice worth N4.047billion and other seized perishables have been distributed to IDPs in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Edo states.”

The Customs Image maker who stated that the CGC had sought the approval to donate seized items to other IDP camps said there would be continuous seizures by the anti-smuggling operatives of the command.

“The CGC has therefore sought and obtained presidential nod to extend distributions of these relief items to other IDP camps and registered orphanages across the country.

“Already, list of IDPs and orphanages across the country are being complied with a view to kick starting the nationwide distribution as soon as possible. Hopefully, this will provide relief to fellow Nigerians who are going through tough times in the IDP camps and Orphanages.”

Speaking on smuggling, Attah said, “In line with the federal government policy on agriculture, a total number of 238,094 (50kg) bags of rice were seized across the country in the period between January and November 2018.”

Attah lamented willingness of some Nigerians to help the smugglers mob customs operatives and lack of proper implementation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) protocol on transit neighbouring countries as challenges faced in fighting smuggling to stand still in the country.

“We have challenges of porous borders, non-cooperative attitude of some border dwellers and use of motorcycles and animals to smuggle through different terrains.”

“But despite the challenges above, the Customs service has recorded 4,010 seizures with duty value of over N40billion. Outstanding among our seizures are arms, ammunition, dangerous drugs, vehicles and rice.”

“You will recall that last month, NCS announced seizures of 59 containers loaded with Tramadol and other controlled drugs across the commands of the service.