BY FUNMI ALUKO
Management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the immediate suspension of the food disposal initiative it embarked upon with the approval of the presidency, aimed at ameliorating the ongoing hardship occasioned by galloping prices of food items and others.
While expressing regrets at its decision, the service explained that the suspension becomes necessary to allow it investigate and establish the circumstances that led to the stampede that took place at its Yaba Lagos facility location, chosen for the pilot exercise, in which a number of fatality was recorded.
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This is even as the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has extended his and management’s condolences to the families of the victims, informing that the service will be communicating with the bereaved families on the need to lend support in the burial arrangements.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs National Public Relations Officer who signed the statement on behalf of the CGC, further expressed regrets that despite necessary security arrangement put in place in partnership with the police and the military to manage the crowd, the exercise ended in avoidable chaos leading to unfortunate losses of lives.
The statement dated February 26, 2024 with the theme TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FOOD DISPOSAL INITIATIVE reads:
“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.
“The exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise. 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.
“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.”
The statement continues: “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 February 2024.
“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.”
An estimated 4000 persons were believed to have benefitted from the initiative under a controlled, secured and well managed situation despite flashes of unwarranted misbehavior intent at breaking the access barricade, before the sudden snap, on the realization that the available items for the day has been exhausted.