In a press statement released today, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the temporary suspension of its food disposal initiative following an unfortunate incident that occurred during a pilot exercise on Friday, 23 February 2024.

The initiative, aimed at alleviating hardships faced by Nigerians, took a tragic turn as the crowd became desperate, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

The exercise, conducted at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state, initially saw smooth proceedings from 0800hrs to 1700hrs, benefiting over 5000 individuals. However, unforeseen challenges emerged when the stock ran out, leading to the announcement of a continuation the following day. The desperation of the crowd prompted a stampede, breaking through barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers.

The Nigeria Customs Service expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the incident. An internal investigation has been initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, and the service is working with Hospital Authorities to provide support to the victims’ families.

Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the suspension of the exercise is a regrettable but necessary measure until the investigation is completed. The NCS is committed to addressing the challenges facing the nation’s food security with heightened sensitivity and preventive measures.