As part of measures to support the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize food prices and ensure food security in the country, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has initiated a nationwide crackdown on the smuggling, hoarding, and unauthorized exports of agricultural commodities.
This was made known through a statement issued by Akanji Joshua of the Media Communications and Strategies department of the agency, disclosing that the exercise is part of the agency’s mandate to regulate the handling of agricultural products in Nigeria and ensure they are safe for consumption and available at fair prices.
Joshua noted that food security is a paramount concern for the Nigerian government, adding that the agency is committed to ensuring that agricultural commodities are not smuggled out of the country either through ports or land borderers.
“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, we are fully committed to ensuring that Nigerians have more food on their table by strengthening our borders and clamping down on the smuggling of hoarded agricultural commodities.”.
“To combat the illegal smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities, NAQS is enhancing its surveillance and control measures at all entry and exit points. “We believe that our efforts to clamp down on smuggling practices will not only help to stabilize food prices but also promote transparency and fairness in the agricultural supply chain.” Joshua said
According to him, officers of the agency are already working tirelessly across the country’s borders and control posts, conducting rigorous inspections and monitoring to prevent the illegal export of agro-commodities.
He noted that the Acting Comptroller General, Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu, had urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the hoarding or smuggling of agricultural commodities, as community participation and collaboration are vital for the success of this campaign.
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