The Nigerian Customs Service attributes the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians, exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms, to the illicit exportation of essential commodities by unpatriotic citizens. The Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, conveyed this message during a visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mustapha, in Yola. Represented by the acting Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘D’, Joseph Adelaja, Adeniyi sought collaboration in addressing the dire food crisis through the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The visit aimed to secure the monarch’s support in tackling unscrupulous businessmen responsible for food insecurity. Adeniyi emphasized the need for information on hoarders, contributing to escalating food prices, as a result of the illicit exportation of essential commodities. He urged Nigerians to provide necessary support in combating this menace, emphasizing that food security is a collective responsibility.
Adelaja, accompanied by other senior customs officers, decried the activities of unpatriotic businessmen exporting essential goods while the nation grapples with a severe hunger crisis. He called for collective efforts to address the issue, stressing the impact of exporting food meant for Nigerians to other nations.
In response, the Galadima of Adamawa, Mustapha Aminu, representing the Lamido, acknowledged the indispensable role of customs in national food security and sustainability. He pledged the Emirate’s support to the customs in achieving its goal of mitigating the current economic food crisis.
Reports suggest that some traders prefer selling their goods to other countries due to stronger currencies, potentially leading to hoarding, artificial scarcity, and a deepening food crisis. This situation unfolds against the backdrop of soaring inflation, with food prices increasing by over 300 percent. Notably, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 29.90 percent in January, marking the highest in 28 years, further intensifying the economic challenges faced by the nation.
