ASSIST US IN ENDING FOOD INSECURITY – CUSTOMS REQUEST TRADITIONAL LEADERS

Babatunji Wusu –

Traditional leaders have been urged by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to assist in controlling food prices in the country.

Joseph Adelaja, the Acting Controller of the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) in Zone “D,” made the request on Thursday while paying a courtesy call at Yola to the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkido Aliyu-Mustapha.

He clarified that the illegal hoarding and exportation of food items was the cause of the increase in food costs.

“As part of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC’s) policy thrust on consolidation, collaboration and innovation, we are here to seek fatherly support and wise counsel particularly on the challenges facing the country in terms of food insecurity.

“As we are aware that national and food security is the responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian.

“We solicit the support of all stakeholders and members of the general public to enable us to overcome the menace,” he said

Speaking further, Adelaja explained that illegal exportation of petroleum products also caused untold hardship on the citizens, and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address the menace.

“This is a critical period of our national life and all hands must be on deck to support the government because we cannot afford to get it wrong at this point in time of our national history”, he added.