As Nigerians took to the streets across various states to protest against soaring food prices, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) issued a stern warning on Monday, signaling its intent to crack down on smugglers, hoarders, and illicit exporters of agricultural commodities.
In a statement signed by its OC/Media, Akanji Joshua, the NAQS revealed that it has initiated a nationwide campaign to combat the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities.
The statement reads in part, “To support the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize food prices and ensure food security, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has initiated a nationwide crackdown on the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities.
“The decisive action is part of the agency’s mandate to regulate the handling of agricultural products in Nigeria, ensuring they are safe for consumption and available at fair prices to the Nigerian populace.
“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. Officers of the agency are working tirelessly across the country’s borders and control posts, conducting rigorous inspections, and monitoring to ensure no Agro commodity is exported.
“This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling some of the recent challenges facing the agricultural sector and aims to ensure food security and promote sustainable development.”
Meanwhile, the statement also made it known that “The Acting Comptroller General, NAQS, Dr Godwin Sunday Audu urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the hoarding or smuggling of agricultural commodities, as community participation and collaboration is vital for the success of this campaign.