Customs begins sales of seized food items, auction 25kg rice for N10,000

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to commence the sale of confiscated bags of rice to the public at a price of N10,000 per 25kg starting on Friday, as announced by the Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Adeniyi emphasized that buyers are strictly prohibited from reselling the seized and auctioned food items. He also made it clear that customs officers are not allowed to participate in the sale. The rice packages, each weighing 25kg, will be available for purchase at the specified rate of N10,000.

Providing further details on the eligibility criteria, Adeniyi stated that individuals must present a Nigerian Identification Number to be eligible for the sale. The target groups for this initiative include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other individuals within the Customs Service’s operational areas. The objective is to directly reach out to members through organized structures for maximum impact.

Adeniyi issued a stern warning against profiteering or exploitation of the program, stating, “It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative. We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorized resale of the seized food items.”

Emphasizing the commitment to transparency and accountability, he concluded, “We will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program.”