President Tinubu Directs Customs To Enforce Export Prohibition Act on Food Items

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the full implementation of the Export Prohibition Act concerning food items, aiming to combat smuggling and bolster domestic food security.

In a meeting held with leaders and members of the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, revealed the directive issued by President Tinubu.

President Tinubu, through the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has intensified efforts to enforce the ban on food exports, particularly grains, to address the country’s food supply challenges.

President Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s stance against opening its borders to food imports, emphasizing the nation’s capacity for self-sufficiency.

Mr Adeniyi explained that the Export Prohibition Act had not been rigorously enforced in the past due to Nigeria’s food self-sufficiency. However, with the current food crisis, President Tinubu has mandated the strict implementation of the Act to prevent the exportation of essential food items during times of need.

During the meeting, Mr Adeniyi called upon the cooperation of stakeholders in the grain market, emphasizing the importance of preventing the re-exportation of locally produced or imported food items.

He highlighted the need for unity and support from the grain dealers to ensure the effectiveness of the directive.

In response to the directive, Alhaji Muttaka Isah, the President of the Dawanau International Market, raised concerns about the challenges faced by the association, including allegations of hoarding.

He appealed to the Nigerian Customs Service to ease conditions on the importation of beans and other foodstuffs from neighbouring countries to facilitate smooth transportation and benefit consumers across Nigeria.

The rising cost of staple foods has exacerbated household expenditure, pushing vulnerable populations into poverty and hunger.

The government’s enforcement of the Export Prohibition Act aims to mitigate these challenges and ensure adequate food supply for all Nigerians.

President Tinubu’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to addressing food security issues and curbing illicit practices in the food market.