On Thursday, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) began selling confiscated and forfeited imported parboiled rice to Nigerians in Lagos.
According to Platinum Times, the Service planned to offer 50kg of rice for N20,000 to offset rising rice prices and alleviate Nigerians’ economic misery.
However, speaking to journalists in Lagos during the sales launch, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that rice will be sold at all Customs formations where seized products are available starting Friday, February 23, 2024, at N10,000 per 25kg and N20,000 per 50kg.
He did, however, state that the things would only be sold to Nigerians in true need, and that he would collaborate with the Police Force to ensure the exercise’s integrity.
According to him, the qualifications include holding a genuine National Identity Number (NIN), and the targeted beneficiaries include faith-based organizations, craftsmen, teachers, and others.
The Customs CG did, however, reveal that if the products are discovered in commercial stores, they will be seized, the store will be sealed, and the owner(s) prosecuted.