The Nigerian Customs Service has commenced the distribution of confiscated 25kg bags of rice to Nigerians at Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos state. The bags of rice are reportedly going for the discount rate of N10,000 each.
A video fast-circulating video on one of the most influential social media platforms, X, shows a large crowd waiting in long queues to benefit from the discount rates. A bag of 50kg is going for N20,000.
The viral video shared by NigeriainfoFM, shows Customs officers distributing bags of rice to Lagos residents on Friday, February 23.
Buyers are expected to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) as criteria for eligibility.
The bags of rice, according to the caption from the source, were seized by the Nigerian Customs Service, and officials said they got the full support of the government to sell them at discounted rates to the less privileged Nigerians.
The post reads:
“Lagosians queue up to buy rice seized by The Nigerian Customs Service.
“A bag of rice (25kg) is reportedly being sold for #10,000.
“The Customs Service says it secured approval from the government to dispose of the seized food items to needy Nigerians at discounted prices.”
News Central reported on Tuesday, February 20, that the NCS announced that distribution of seized food items to Nigerians will commence soon.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi through National Public Relations, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, said the move was to “alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items…”
Nigeria is currently falling deeper into economic crisis as many households can no longer afford basic needs due to the ever-rising cost of living.
Presently, the average price of a 50kg bag of Nigerian Rice today February 23, 2024 is ₦70,000 while the average price of a 25kg (half) bag of Nigerian Rice is ₦35,000, beta.sales.ng reports.