NAQS Dismisses Extortion Allegations By Foodstuff Dealers

The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has denied allegation by food sellers that its officers extort money from the dealers at certain quarantine posts in the country.

 

In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, by  its spokesperson, Chigozie Nwodo, explained that all the claims from the food dealers are untrue.

 

Recall that members of the Food Stuff Dealers Association of Nigeria (FSDAN) had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over alleged multiple quarantine posts erected by the officials of NAQS .

 

FSDAN called for immediate removal of NAQS along the roads, even as they alleged that the quarantine posts in Kastina Ala and Orokam both in Benue State are illegal.

 

But responding to the claims, the agency said the accusation of extortion against NAQS officers was made out of bad faith.

 

The statement said it is standard practice for NAQS to inspect agricultural commodities on transit within the country.

 

Mr Nwodo said NAQS established the Interstate control posts within the North Central zone of the country to mitigate risks of the spread of diseases and pests all over the country.

 

Mr Nwodo said siting of a quarantine post is the exclusive prerogative of the federal government as provided for by the NAQS Establishment Act 2018 and the Animal Disease Control Act of 1988.

 

“As the single point of command for all agricultural quarantine activities in Nigerian, NAQS has a duty and responsibility to control and prevent the introduction, spread and establishment of diseases and pests of animals, plants and aquatic resources”.

 

He said NAQS is obligated by its enabling laws to police the Nigerian agricultural economy and “to safeguard it from all discernible threats that could undermine its integrity”.

 

He said the positioning is done with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

 

“The Control Posts are all fully captured in the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (No. 77, Vol 106).”