Customs Suspend Grain Auction Over Casualties

The Nigeria Customs Service through its National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, has announced the temporary suspension of the auction of grains following casualties recorded during the pilot project of the exercise on Friday, February 23, 2024.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commenced the auction of rice grains on Friday following an announcement by the Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Thursday that seized foreign parboiled rice grains which have been re-bagged into 25kg sacks will be auctioned at the rate of N10,000 as against open market price of N44,000 as of today.

The activities which was aimed at alleviating the economic burden of soaring food costs and which opened to a smooth start ended with several casualties with seven deaths recorded leaving social media awash with criticisms on the nobility of the cause which has claimed the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

According to the Maiwada, necessary precautions were taken to ensure that Nigerians were adequately catered for but casualties were recorded when the Service ran out of stock.

Part of the statement read: “The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs. We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise. This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5000 beneficiaries and members of the press.

“However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome. The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.

“The Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with Hospital Authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps. Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event

“As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations. Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024. This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation’s food security.”