By Abubakar Yunusa
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid a visit to the Kano/Jigawa Command on Friday, March 8, 2024, where he addressed officers and men shortly after receiving a ceremonial quarter guard from personnel of the Command.
In his address, CGC Adeniyi spoke about the prevailing state of food scarcity in the country, urging officers and men to adhere to their work responsibilities.
He emphasized the importance of representing the Service well to gain the trust of Nigerians and charged them to address their conduct, cautioning against the unauthorized use of social media.
Addressing members of the press, the CGC reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring national food security, “in our unwavering dedication to safeguarding our nation’s prosperity, I stand before you today to reaffirm the Customs Service’s solemn pledge to fortify our country’s food security.” he added.
The Comptroller-General of Customs said, “Our resolve remains steadfast as we navigate the challenges ahead, steadfastly upholding our duty to protect and nourish our beloved homeland.”
He emphasized that all actions of the Nigeria Customs Service are governed by the law and aimed at building a prosperous country.
He said, “In our relentless pursuit of upholding the integrity of international trade, I underscore the Customs’ unwavering vigilance in enforcing compliance with trade regulations. The recent surge in significant seizures stands as a testament to our steadfast commitment to ensuring fair and lawful commerce, safeguarding the interests of our nation and global partners alike.”
The Comptroller-General of Customs, who announced measures to reduce the price of food items in the country and release food items to residents in Kano, also assured that “the Service would continue to operate within the law and maintain the status of food security in the country.”
CGC Adeniyi however stressed the importance of collaboration with relevant stakeholders and fostering good relations with community members.
He also used the medium to urge citizens to continue supporting the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding national food security.
The visit of the Comptroller-General underscores the Service’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as food scarcity and ensuring the welfare of citizens across the nation.
Speaking on the Service’s efforts to curb smuggling across the federation, CGC Adeniyi said his officers have seized over 120 trucks of essential foodstuff nationwide as part of its efforts to ensure food sufficiency and food security in the country.
According to him, this measure follows the matching order that President Bola Tinubu had given to the Service to ensure that excessive hoarding and illegal exportation of grains were curtailed.
“Apart from policing the borders, our mandate is to also ensure the protection of agricultural inputs as essential elements of National powers which ensure food security because hunger is an essential element of chaos and uncertainties,” he said.
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