Nigeria Customs Service on Friday commenced the sale of seized bags of rice, rebagged at 25kg, to Nigerians with a National Identification Number for a sum of 10,000 naira (NIN and 10k).
In a viral video, Nigerians lined up to receive the 25kg bags of rice at Lagos Customs Zonal Office Yaba. The bags of rice were boldly branded “FGN Customs, not-to-be-resold,” with a QR code from men and representatives of the Service, Chronicle NG reports.
Prior to the collection of food items, the NIN and 10k assessments were collated before gaining access to the spot.
The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organized structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi Adeniyi disclosed on Tuesday.
Chronicle NG reported that the target groups were artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within customs operational areas.
Some Nigerians reacted to the resale of 25kg bags of rice to desperate citizens as hunger bites harder in the nation.
“I heard some people got a bag of rice for just NIN and 10k; now the same people are selling the rice to other people for 50k. Just Kings was shocked.”
He added, “We are our own problem in this country.”
Hindu Mustafa wrote, “Some people got a bag of rice with just NIN and 10k; now the same people are selling the rice to other people for 40–50k.”
“Forget about government; we are our own problems in this country, she added.
Food doctor said, “Speaking of NIN and 10k, read what is written on this branded bag of rice. I am sure it was meant to be shared with internally displaced persons in 2022, but guess what? The rice was shared with top government functionaries and public servants in a state last Christmas.”
He added, “Imagine keeping this rice for two years instead of sharing it with the people it was meant for, and they kept battling with hunger. These are some of the atrocities that happen in this country.
P.S. I took these pictures two weeks ago when I visited that state for an official engagement.”
