Customs Kicks-off Sales of Seized Food Items in Lagos
Customs Kicks-off Sales of Seized Food Items in Lagos
… initiative is meant to cushion effects of astronomical rise in prices of food items – Adeniyi
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service has kick-started the sales of rice and other food items targeted at crashing their prices in the market, while also mitigating the effect of inflation on the people. The exercise which commenced yesterday at the NCS Zonal office at Harvey Road, Lagos saw the sales of one 25kg rice sold for N10,000 per person, with the possession of National Identification Number (NIN) as the only requirement.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who was on hand for the flag-off of the event, expressed commitment to align with 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.
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