In a devastating turn of events, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the temporary suspension of its Food Disposal Initiative following a stampede that occurred during the pilot exercise on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Yaba, Lagos state.
The initiative, initiated on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed to alleviate hardships faced by Nigerians by directly disposing of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies.
The exercise commenced smoothly at 0800hrs, with a large crowd cooperating and giving preferences to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. However, unforeseen challenges emerged when the NCS ran out of stock, leading to the announcement of the continuation of the exercise the following day.
Regrettably, the situation took a tragic turn as the crowd became desperate, breaching barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. A stampede ensued, resulting in some fatalities and injuries. The NCS expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected, with an internal investigation initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NCS is collaborating with Hospital Authorities to offer support to the victims’ families.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, acknowledged the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all NCS operations. In light of the recent unfortunate event, the NCS has regretfully announced the temporary suspension of the Food Disposal Initiative. This decision will remain in effect until a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident is established.
The NCS assures the public that this suspension is aimed at articulating more robust and comprehensive actions that align with the initiative’s noble intention. The service appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as efforts are made to address the challenges facing the nation’s food security.