The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the temporary suspension of food disposal initiative which commenced on 23rd February, 2024 at its old zonal headquarters ,Yaba Lagos as a result of the stampede which ensued leading to some casualties.
The National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada in a press statement explained that the intervention is aimed at easing the hardship in the nation and is in accordance to the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise.
” 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”.
” As part of our process and control measures, we had Nigeria Police and military personnel to ensure crowd control. We also fully equipped a medical team on ground in anticipation of potential risks during an exercise of that magnitude. Their presence was part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants”.
Abdullahi revealed that the exercise moved on smoothly not until the food items were exhausted and the crowd became anxious.
” The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs. 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”.
” 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”.
He disclosed that an investigation is ongoing to identify the cause of the incident while the service is working hand in hand with the hospital authorities to ensure that they communicate with families of the victims.
The NCS national PRO expressed the service’s condolence to the families of the casulty. He assured that the welfare and safety of Nigerians is its priority.
” The Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with Hospital Authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on their next steps. Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event”.
” As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations. Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February2024. This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation’s food security” he added.
