The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A in Ikeja, Lagos, under the Nigeria Customs Service, revealed the interception of three trucks carrying 1,464 bags of foodstuffs destined for the Republic of Benin. The Customs Area Controller for the command, Hussein Ejibunu, addressed reporters on Friday, disclosing that the goods, comprising 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions, and 18 bags of dry pepper, were halted on the Ajilete/Idiroko Road in Ogun State.
Ejibunu emphasized that the confiscated items were intended for sale within Nigeria. This revelation comes amid President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, to collaborate with state governors in taking action against individuals stockpiling food items.
The President issued this directive in response to the ongoing food crisis exacerbated by rising transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies and the challenges faced by farmers in harvesting crops due to insecurity.
Ejibunu added, “Worthy of note was the interception of export-bound three trucks heading to the Republic of Benin laden with 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions and 18 bags of dry pepper at Ajilete/Idiroko Road in Ogun State
“Instead of seizing the food items, the unit ensured the trucks were re-directed to the Nigerian markets where they were sold to Nigerians.”
He also disclosed that in February, the zone seized 3,779 bags of rice in seven trailers at various parts of South-West states.
The FOU Zone A boss reiterated that the seized rice had a duty-paid value of N365m.
“Other items seized in the month under review, included one locally made gun and six pieces of empty cartridges at Abeokuta Road; 731 parcels of Indian Hemp weighing 482kg; one 40ft container found to contain 286 cartons of new rubber slippers; seven units of used motorcycles; 28,000 litres of premium motor spirit and 2,420 pieces of used tyres,” Ejibunu added.
