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UPDATE: CUSTOMS KICKS- OFF SALES OF SEIZED FOOD ITEMS IN LAGOS (VIDEO)
In an effort to lower market prices and lessen the impact of inflation on the populace, the Nigeria Customs Service has accelerated the sale of rice and other food products. One 25-kg bag of rice was sold for N10,000 per person during the activity, which got underway yesterday at the NCS Zonal headquarters on Harvey Road in Lagos.
The only need was having a National Identity Number (NIN).Present for the event’s kickoff, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, pledged to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address the urgent problem of food insecurity by guaranteeing that Nigerians have access to basic food supplies.
Speaking on Thursday, February 22, 2024, during the flag-off of the rice disbursement programme in Lagos, CGC Adeniyi stressed that the distribution of grains will be concentrated in regions of customs operations, guaranteeing direct access to recipients.
He urged Nigerians taking part in the exercise to abstain from selling the rice in markets or stockpiling it for uses other than domestic consumption, emphasising the value of accountability and openness in the distribution process.
Additionally, the CGC stated that the NCS was able to obtain government consent to distribute the food products that were confiscated to Nigerians in need at a reduced cost after completing the verification process by showing their National Identity 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.