Come Friday 23rd February, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service will commence auctioning of seized foreign par-boiled rice to the general public at N10,000 per 25kg bag.
Customs in a statement indicated that citizens who are interested in now exclusive food, are required to produce their National Identification Number (NIN) at the point of purchase, which is set to take place at all Customs command offices and formations nationwide. Other seized foods such as beans, maize and other grains would also be auctioned at very prices.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi said the rice auction was part of the ongoing effort by the Bola Tinubu-led government of Nigeria targeted at food security.
Speaking during the flag-off of the sales at Zone A Command of the Service, Adeniyi explained that beneficiaries of the rice auction are expected to include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas.
The motive, he explained, is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of the exercise.
He said some of the items to be sold to include over 20,000 bags of assorted grains (Rice, beans, Maize, Guinea corn, millet, Soya beans; 2500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish; Others include, Dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, Maggi, Macaroni, salt, sugar, garri.
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi
He said, “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.”
According to the Customs boss, the trade facilitator will be working closely with other relevant government agencies to ensure success of the food action, while warning that beneficiaries must not resell the foods.
“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,” he added.
Adeniyi said the Customs under leadership of President Bola Tinubu, would continue to advance the nation’s goals and objectives.
“Aligned with the administration’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria, the NCS is dedicated to executing its duties with excellence and efficiency. Recognizing the significance of its responsibility to protect the society and facilitate trade, the NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians,” he said.
