Customs begin Sales of Seized Food Items in Lagos

Customs begin Sales of Seized Food Items in Lagos
By Ossy Onyenwezi

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun the sale of rice and other food items to crash their prices in the market while also cushioning the effect of inflation on the people. The exercise, which started yesterday at the NCS Zonal office at Harvey Road, Lagos, saw the sale of one 25-kg bag of rice for N10,000 per person, with the possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) as the only requirement.

The Comptroller-General of Customs
(CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who was on the ground for the flag-off of the event, pledged to associate with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s plans to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity by ensuring the availability of essential food items to Nigerians.

Speaking at the flag-off of the rice disbursement program in Lagos on Thursday, February 22, 2024, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that the distribution of rice would be targeted at areas of customs operations, ensuring direct access to beneficiaries.

He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the distribution process, urging Nigerians participating in the exercise to refrain from selling the rice in markets or hoarding it for purposes other than domestic consumption.

Furthermore, the CGC said the NCS secured approval from the government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices after satisfying the verification process of presenting the National Identification Number (NIN).

He emphasized, “The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas. The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise.”

Adeniyi, however, emphasized that the initiative’s primary objective is to provide essential food items to those in need, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enhancing its social welfare responsibility programs.

“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative. We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items,” the CGC said.