The Nigeria Customs Service’s well-intended magnanimity in giving out seized food items to the hungry in the society, faces daunting setback that has compelled the service to halt the initiative midway
By Innocent Chukwu
On Friday, February 23, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) began the implementation of its promise to auction seized food items to the Nigerian masses across geopolitical zones. But the initiative has suffered a setback owing to some stampede which had necessitated its temporary suspension. Disclosing in Lagos Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi said that each 25kg of rice will be sold at the discounted rate of N10,000.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration of the exercise on that Thursday at the Zone A Headquarters of the service, Harvey Road, Yaba, Adeniyi disclosed that six items would be on sale during the exercise at different designated customs locations across the country.
The items include rice, beans, millet, guinea corn, soya beans and garri.
To be eligible to participate in the exercise, a beneficiary must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
Adeniyi said, ”As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food security of Nigerians, the NCS has secured approval from the government to dispose of these seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices.
“The criteria for Nigerians to benefit from this initiative include having a verifiable National
Identification Number (NIN). The target groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, faith-based organisations 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 disclosed.
At the venue of the exercise, 10 payment points will be created to ease the free flow of the disposal.
The Customs boss however warned that the item bought in the exercise must not be resold as any shop found to contain the items will be sealed, the items recovered and the owner subjected to rigorous questioning before being prosecuted for economic sabotage.
” To ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, NCS has put in place comprehensive measures.
” These measures encompass robust security protocols throughout the process.
“Our officers will be closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items.
” Moreover, we have established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need.
”Additionally, we will be working closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this program.
” 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.
”NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program”, the CGC warned.
In a bid to ensure it gets to the needy and the exercise is not manipulated or abused, payment would be made only by cash and not online while one NIN is entitled to one 25 kg bag of rice.
To ensure transparency, Adeniyi disclosed that no customs officers would be allowed to be part of the exercise.
To forestall any breach of security at the venue of the exercise, the sale is jointly being held by other security agencies such as police, and DSS while Customs is the lead agency and the office of the National Security Adviser is the coordinator.
The Customs boss disclosed that after the pilot exercise at the Zone A Headquarters of the service this Friday, the disposal exercise will be replicated at all customs formations across the country where these items are domiciled.
He said that the exercise is part of the government’s efforts to ensure food security for the people.
Adewale further disclosed that to further demonstrate government commitment to the availability of food items in the country, Nigeria Customs has been put on red alert to frustrate any attempt to smuggle food items across the borders.
This effort, he said, has yielded results with the seizure of some food items such as rice, tomatoes, guinea corn, millet, dried fish, garri.
” In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy, particularly the lagged effects of insecurity and the current exchange rate issues.
“These challenges have exacerbated concerns about food security, leading to a concerning trend where food items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries.
”In the last one week, the customs officers have intercepted Some food items such as over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, soybean.
“2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish. Others include Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, Macaroni, salt, sugar, garri.
“This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security.
“To address this, the NCS has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect our borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods.
Unfortunately, the exercise suffered a setback and was suspended on Monday, February 26, 2024.
The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Maiwada Abdullahi, in a statement explained that those who were on queue when the Service announced that it had ran out of stock for the day could not take the information and immediately charged through the barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers.
He added that in the “stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded”.
Maiwada’s statement said, “It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on the directive of Mr. President, announced the commencement of a noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving access to essential food items through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies. Consequently, a pilot exercise was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state.
“The exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise. As part of our process and control measures, we had Nigeria Police and military personnel to ensure crowd control. We also fully equipped a medical team on ground in anticipation of potential risks during an exercise of that magnitude. Their presence was part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
“The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs. We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise. This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5000 beneficiaries and members of the press.
“However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome. The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.
“The Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with Hospital Authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps. Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
“As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations. Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024. This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation’s food security”.
