Federal Government's Efforts to Curtail Food Smuggling Face Challenges Amid Rising Insecurity and Attacks on Truck Drivers
The Federal Government's initiative to tackle food inflation and ensure food security has encountered hurdles as smuggling activities persist, compounded by rising insecurity and attacks on truck drivers transporting essential commodities.
Customs officials reported intercepting 141 trucks attempting to smuggle grains and staples to neighboring countries such as Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Despite efforts to enforce the ban, including the arrest of about 120 trucks smuggling food items and the interception of 21 trucks by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), smuggling activities remain rampant.
Truck drivers, who have been targeted by hoodlums, threatened to strike if attacks persist. The attacks, which have led to the looting of trucks and warehouses, exacerbate the food inflation crisis and undermine efforts to ensure food security.
In response to the challenges, the Customs Comptroller-General disclosed measures to divert seized food items to local markets, following President Tinubu's directive. However, concerns remain about the adequacy of these measures and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of food scarcity.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security attributed food scarcity to smuggling, flooding, currency policies, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite government interventions to stabilize prices and support farmers, challenges persist, necessitating sustained efforts to address the underlying issues.
The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) expressed concern over attacks on truck drivers and warned of potential disruptions to food transportation. Inadequate security measures on roads exacerbate the situation, prompting calls for state governments to intervene and mitigate the suffering of citizens.
As stakeholders seek solutions to ensure food availability and mitigate the impact of smuggling and attacks on food transportation, collaborative efforts and effective enforcement of measures are essential to address the multifaceted challenges facing the food supply chain in Nigeria.
