Reports have surfaced of Lagos residents queuing up to purchase bags of rice priced at N10,000 as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) kickstarted the distribution of confiscated food products in the state.
According to CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday morning, the agency initiated a pilot exercise in Yaba and other Lagos areas on Thursday to streamline distribution methods before rolling out nationwide.
Maiwada elaborated, stating, “I am currently at the location. The pilot exercise aims to identify and rectify any issues before expanding distribution to other commands nationwide in the coming days.”
An eyewitness also confirmed witnessing the distribution in the Agege area of the state on Thursday.
In a press statement issued earlier in the week, the NCS emphasized that the decision to distribute the food items was aimed at alleviating current hardships faced by Nigerians and addressing food security concerns amidst soaring prices of basic food items.
The NCS assured that the distributed food items would undergo certification to ensure suitability for human consumption before being made available to the public.
The statement highlighted, “The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.”