The Nigeria Customs Service has solicited the support of traditional leaders and stakeholders to control hikes in food prices.

Joseph Adelaja, the acting controller of the Federal Operation Unit, zone ‘D’, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Barkido Aliyu-Mustapha, on Thursday in Yola.

He said the illicit hoarding and exportation of food commodities aggravated the trend.

“As part of the comptroller-general of customs policy thrust on consolidation, collaboration and innovation, we are here to seek fatherly support and wise counsel, particularly on the challenges facing the country in terms of food insecurity.

“As we are aware, national and food security is the responsibility of every patriotic Nigerian. We solicit the support of all stakeholders and members of the general public to enable us to overcome the menace,” he said.

Mr Adelaja said the illegal exportation of petroleum products also caused untold hardship for the citizens and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address the menace.

“This is a critical period of our national life and all hands must be on deck to support the government because we cannot afford to get it wrong at this point in time of our national history,” he said.

Responding, Mr Aliyu-Mustapha assured the service of his council support.

The Lamido of Adamawa lauded the customs’ positive contributions to the economy and national security. 

(NAN)