By Bose Adelaja 

CITIZENS COMPASS —The Nigeria Customs Service

(NCS) on Thursday, February 22, 2024, said the sales of 25kg bags of rice that will commence tomorrow, Friday, February 23, 2024, is for the needy Nigerians and not for the elite class. 

NCS said beneficiaries must have a verifiable National Identification Numbers(NIN), obtain and submit a form and thereafter pay the sum of N10, 000 before they can qualify for the purchase. 

Other conditions are that the items are not to be resold and it’s one bag of grain to a beneficiary. 

NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, listed the requirements during a Pilot sales of the items at Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A Headquarter in Yaba area of Lagos State. 

He said the sales are to cushion the effects of hardship on the needy Nigerians. 

According to the Customs boss. over 20,000 bags of assorted grains including rice, beans, maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans, 2, 500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.

Others are dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, seasonings, Macaroni, salt, sugar and garri.

He said measures have been put in place to ensure compliance. 

Over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans, 2, 500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish. 

“Others include dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, Macaroni, salt, sugar, garri.

“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, 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.

“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 programme.

“I shall conclude on the note that NCS under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives.”