The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended giving free rice to citizens at its old zonal headquarters in Yaba area of Lagos State as a result of stampede which led to death of seven people.
NCS National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada in a press statement explained that the intervention which was aimed at easing the hardship in the nation, was suspended following the tragedy that followed.
According to him, the exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise.
He said: “It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on the directive of Mr. President, announced the commencement of a noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving access to essential food items through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies. Consequently, a pilot exercise was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state.”
PoliticsNow earlier reported how some Nigerians, seeking to benefit from the rice distribution, got trampled upon due to overwhelming crowd at the Customs office in Yaba.
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