The Federal Government has intensified its crackdown on food smuggling, intercepting 141 trucks loaded with grains and other staples destined for neighboring countries.
This move, aimed at curbing food inflation and ensuring food security, comes amidst threats of a strike by truck drivers who have been targets of attacks by hoodlums.
The Nigeria Customs Service reported the arrest of about 120 trucks smuggling food items out of the country within two weeks. Additionally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seized 21 food trucks attempting to leave Nigeria on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu has directed that seized food items be diverted to local markets to stabilize prices. However, challenges remain, including the need for long-term solutions to ensure food security and the safety of transporters.
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The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, attributed the current food scarcity to smuggling, flooding, the naira redesign policy, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He assured Nigerians that measures are being taken to stabilize prices and increase food production.
In response to the threats of strike by truck drivers, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) called on state governments to address the attacks and improve security on the roads.
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The association warned that a halt in food transportation could worsen the food scarcity across the country.