In a bid to alleviate the economic burden on Lagos residents, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) facilitated the sale of seized rice at a subsidized rate, benefiting over 4,000 individuals on Friday.
The Comptroller-General of the NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, directed the sale of the seized rice at a discounted price of N10,000 per 25kg bag, with beneficiaries required to produce their National Identification Number (NIN). Addressing various stakeholders and beneficiaries, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rice reached those in need and urged against diverting it to commercial markets.
Assuring the public of the government’s commitment to extending similar gestures across the country, Adeniyi highlighted the directive from the Federal Government to prioritize the sale of the rice to the less-privileged.
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Beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds, including artisans, teachers, religious organizations, physically-challenged individuals, and street sweepers, expressed gratitude for the initiative. Many lauded the Federal Government and the NCS for the opportunity to purchase rice at an affordable rate, acknowledging the positive impact on their livelihoods.
Mr. Taiwo Lawal, a physically-challenged beneficiary, emotionally expressed appreciation for the unprecedented relief effort, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the economic strain on ordinary Nigerians.
Mrs. Amdalat Balogun, a visually-impaired beneficiary, highlighted the significance of the subsidized rice, especially in preparation for the upcoming month of fasting among Muslims, while urging the government to continue providing subsidized food items to support vulnerable citizens.
Religious leaders, including Chief Imam Abdul-Semiu Kelani and Cleric Emmanuel Omoroke, commended the government’s gesture, emphasizing its role in easing the hardships faced by Nigerians.
Mrs. Morufat Bello, a street sweeper, and Mrs. Adeke Lateef, a nonagenarian, also expressed appreciation for the initiative, urging the government to sustain such efforts for the well-being of the populace.
Despite the overwhelming turnout at the sales venue, which led to some injuries among elderly attendees, officials of the NCS provided First Aid treatment to those affected.
The sale of seized rice at a subsidized rate underscores the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and mitigating the economic impact of food scarcity.
 facilitated the sale of seized rice at a subsidized rate, benefiting over 4,000 individuals on Friday.){kind=link}