Federal agency to combat food smuggling and hoarding to boost supply.

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has increased the deployment of officers to both land and sea borders in order to deter hoarders and smugglers of food items and other agricultural produce. This decision, announced by the agency in a statement on Monday, aims to complement the Federal Government’s initiatives to stabilize food prices across the country and guarantee food security.

In alignment with the Federal Government’s objectives, the NAQS has launched a comprehensive crackdown on the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities nationwide.

“The decisive measures taken by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) are in line with its mandate to regulate the handling of agricultural products in Nigeria, ensuring their safety for consumption and availability at fair prices for the Nigerian populace.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, NAQS is fully committed to ensuring increased food security for Nigerians by strengthening border controls and cracking down on the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities,” the agency stated.

Established in 2017, NAQS aims to prevent the entry, establishment, and spread of foreign pests and diseases of plant, animal, and aquatic resources and products into Nigeria. The agency has intensified efforts by deploying more officers to borders to address the challenges of food smuggling and hoarding.

“To combat illegal smuggling and hoarding of agricultural commodities, NAQS is enhancing surveillance and control measures at all entry and exit points. Agency officers are conducting rigorous inspections and monitoring activities across the country’s borders and control posts to prevent the exportation of agro commodities,” the agency added.

Dr. Godwin Audu, the agency’s acting Comptroller-General, urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the hoarding or smuggling of agricultural commodities.

Recalling recent events, the Nigeria Customs Service announced on Monday that it intercepted 15 trailers fully loaded with food items attempting to leave the country through the Sokoto State border. The trailers were halted, and the food items were returned to Nigeria as part of efforts to stabilize food prices nationwide, aligning with the Federal Government’s mandate.