Economic Hardship: Nigeria Customs Suspends Food Distribution Following Fatal Stampede

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has put a stop to the sale of food items that have been seized due to a stampede that occurred last Friday at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State, resulting in fatalities.

Abdullahi Maiwada, a Customs spokesperson, made this announcement in a statement on Monday.

To help with the hardship and high cost of living in the nation, Customs had announced on February 20, 2024, that it would dispose of food items that had been seized.

First off, last Friday at its Yaba office, the Customs cleared out food items in front of other security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs.” Maiwada said.

“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.

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“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 Customs extended its “heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident.” The Service stated that it was working with health authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims' families on their next steps.

The Service launched an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the regrettable incident after it happened.

“Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024,” the Service announced on Monday.

“This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention.”