The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A in Ikeja, Lagos, has revealed that it halted three trucks carrying 1,464 bags of foodstuffs destined for the Republic of Benin.
Speaking to reporters at the command on Friday, Hussein Ejibunu, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, stated that the intercepted goods, consisting of 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions, and 18 bags of dry pepper, were seized on the Ajilete/Idiroko Road in Ogun State.
Ejibunu further mentioned that the confiscated items were intended for sale within Nigeria.
Last month, President Bola Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, to collaborate with state governors in cracking down on individuals hoarding food items.
The President issued the directive amidst the ongoing food crisis exacerbated by rising transportation expenses following the removal of fuel subsidies, coupled with farmers’ inability to harvest their crops due to security challenges.
Ejibunu further remarked, “Notably, we intercepted three trucks bound for export to the Republic of Benin, carrying 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions, and 18 bags of dry pepper at Ajilete/Idiroko Road in Ogun State.
“Rather than seizing the food items, the unit redirected the trucks to Nigerian markets, where they were made available for sale to Nigerians.”
He also revealed that in February, the zone confiscated 3,779 bags of rice across seven trailers located in various parts of South-West states.
The FOU Zone A chief reiterated that the seized rice had an assessed value of N365 million.
“In addition,” Ejibunu continued, “other items seized during the month included one locally manufactured gun and six empty cartridges discovered on Abeokuta Road; 731 parcels of Indian Hemp weighing 482 kilograms; one 40-foot container containing 286 cartons of new rubber slippers; seven used motorcycles; 28,000 liters of premium motor spirit; and 2,420 used tires.”
