By Sylvanus OBASI, Lagos
Hungry Nigerian Youths are gearing up to besiege customs formations nation-wide in search of seized food items amidst food scarcity and unprecedented increase of food items in the market.
Platform Reporters gathered through social media monitoring that following Tuesday announcement by the Nigeria Customs Service that it plans to dispose bags of rice and other food items seized and forfeited in customs formations and warehouses across the country, some hungry Nigerian youths are planing to besiege customs commands to plunder the seized food items in the way and manner some looted palliatives were plundered during the COVID-19 era.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Customs National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada announced in a press statement issued to newsmen that to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service would facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government.
According to him, “These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations.
“The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.
“The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation”, Maiwada stated.
But reacting to the news on social media, some Nigerian youth who commented on the news said, “thank you for reminding us that you have seized food items in your formation. We are coming for it”.

Some truck-loads of rice seized by men of Nigeria Customs Service
Another said, “we don’t trust your modality for the disposal going by the experience of COVID-19 palliative which ended up in private warehouse of government officials. We will come and take it by ourselves.
Others in their comments showed their dissatisfaction for government and for customs for seizing imported rice in the first place which they said contributed to rice scarcity in the country.
Meanwhile, customs said the service has also launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.