Food Crisis: Quarantine Service Moves against Unauthorised Exports, Hoarding of Agro Commodities

James Emejo in Abuja

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has embarked on a nationwide crackdown on agro-dealers who smuggle and hoard agricultural commodities.

The acting Comptroller General, NAQS, Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu, said the move was aimed at supporting the federal government’s efforts to stabilise food prices and ensure food security in the country,

He, therefore, urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the hoarding or smuggling of agricultural commodities, as community participation and collaboration remained vital for the success of the campaign.

In a statement issued yesterday by head, media Communication and Strategies, NAQS, Mr. Akanji Joshua, Audu stressed that the decisive action was part of the agency’s mandate to regulate the handling of agricultural products in the country, ensuring they are safe for consumption and available at fair prices to Nigerians.

He said, “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.

“Food security is a paramount concern for the Nigerian government, and we are committed to ensuring that agricultural commodities are not smuggled out of the country through our Ports and Land boarders.

“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. To combat the illegal smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities, NAQS is enhancing its surveillance and control measures at all entry and exit points.”

According to him, NAQS officers are working tirelessly across the country’s borders and control posts, conducting rigorous inspections, and monitoring to ensure that no agro commodity is exported.

He said the initiative further reflected a comprehensive approach to tackling some of the recent challenges facing the agricultural sector and aims to ensure food security and promote sustainable development.