EXCLUSIVE: Northern senators move against Akpabio over alleged N4trn budget paddingClimate change, extreme weather, conflict exacerbate global food crisisNigeria needs its own version of America’s Second Amendment, By Majeed DahiruEXCLUSIVE: Northern senators move against Akpabio over alleged N4trn budget paddingClimate change, extreme weather, conflict exacerbate global food crisisNigeria needs its own version of America’s Second Amendment, By Majeed DahiruThe market leaders also appealed to...
The NCS had recently commenced the direct distribution of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. The distribution of food items, mostly bags of rice, to Nigerians was abruptly suspended following a stampede that claimed seven lives in Lagos. He said the Customs Service, as the key agency tasked with enforcement of government fiscal policies, will do everything within its operational guidelines to safeguard and sustain the nation’s economy, while also tackling food insecurity.
From the media briefing, I joined the CG’s convoy on a seemingly surprise visit to Dawanau International Grains Market, one of the largest of such hubs in West Africa. Touted as the nucleus of West African grain market business, Dawanau, which deals with both cash and food crops, has been serving the grain needs of the nation and neighbouring countries for ages.
The market leaders also appealed to the NCS to formalise the import and export process and enforce the Nigeria Export Proceed number to increase export proceeds. They also appealed to the Federal and state governments to embark on massive agricultural production by mobilising able-bodied Nigerians en masse and providing fertilisers and machineries.
However, he declared that the Federal Government will henceforth enforce compliance with the Nigerian Export Prohibition Act. Passed in 1989, the Act, according to him, prohibits the export of certain goods from the country towards ensuring food security in Nigeria by preventing essential food items such as beans, cassava tubers, maize, rice, and yam tubers, from being exported, especially during times of scarcity.