The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the distribution of forfeited food items to vulnerable Nigerians in Lagos, News About Nigeria reports.
This was confirmed by a Twitter user identified as Dedolapo, who revealed that foreign rice is being sold at N10,000 per 25kg to those in need.
In a tweet, Dedolapo stated, “If you know anyone staying around Bariga, Onike, Iwaya, Yaba, Unilag, Customs office is sharing half a bag of rice for 10,000 (foreign rice). The requirement is your 10,000 and NIN; make your way there if you can afford it. Please repost to get to those in need that can afford it.”
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the items being distributed were seized by the service in recent times.
During the flag-off of the sales at Zone A Command of the Service, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the challenges faced by the economy, including insecurity and exchange rate issues, leading to the outflow of food items to neighbouring countries.
To address the concerning trend of food outflow, the NCS secured government approval to dispose of seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices of N10,000 per 25kg bag of rice.
He stated, “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 programme.”
The NCS stated that beneficiaries are not permitted to resell the items, and the NCS encourages Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorised resale.
