In a bid to curb the escalating food crisis, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for total compliance with the Export Prohibition Act. This move is aimed at preventing the smuggling of food commodities out of the country. The directive was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of the service, Wale Adeniyi, during a meeting with the leaders and members of the Dawanau International Grains Market Kano.
Adeniyi explained that the Act had not been implemented in the past due to Nigeria’s food sufficiency. However, given the current food crisis, the president has ordered the full implementation of the Act to ensure that food items are not exported when people are in dire need of them.
The Comptroller-General urged the Dawanau grains dealers to assist the government by complying with the directive banning the exportation of food items. He stated, “It is unwise for a reasonable and sincere country to export food items when her citizens need them.”
The President of the Dawanau International Market, Muttaka Isah, addressed some of the challenges faced by the association. He denied allegations that their dealers hoard grains in their warehouses, explaining that the grains are stored for operational convenience and to protect the foodstuffs from any foreign bodies that might spoil them.
Isah also highlighted the difficulties faced by traders who import beans and the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially along the Nigeria-Niger International border. He appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service to relax their conditions on the importation of beans and other foodstuffs from the Niger Republic.
As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial to remember that collective action and adherence to regulations can significantly alleviate the food crisis. Let’s continue to work together to ensure food security for all.
Source: Tribune Online
