The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is to release 46,000 metric tons of rice, 36,495 kegs of vegetables oil and other items valued at N3.2 billion for distribution to support government’s effort to curb the spread the Coronavirus.
A statement by NCS Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah on Tuesday in Abuja said the release of the items has been approved by Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd).
Other items to be distributed includes 3,428 kegs of palm oil, 136,705 cartons of tomato paste, 2,951 cartons and 1,253 packets of spaghetti/noodles, as well as 828 bales Ankara fabric and 2,300 rolls of lace fabric.
Estimated market value of these items is N3.3 billion, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.03 billion.
Attah said only edible items certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for human consumption would be released to the public.
“As a responsible agency of the government, customs appreciates the opportunity of contributing its quota to the Federal Government’s continuous efforts to provide relief for Nigerians in this difficult time.
“NCS remains committed to strictly adhering to all extant laws governing seized and overtime cargoes,” he added.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to “strictly adhering to all extant laws governing seized and overtime cargoes. Despite the prevailing risks, the service will continue to discharge its functions of securing the land borders and collection of revenue needed during and post-Covid-19 pandemic period”.
