Published 24th Feb, 2024

By Joseph Adeiye

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday announced it was distributing forfeited bags of rice to Nigerians, two days after FIJ began running its findings from an undercover investigation on smuggling of rice from Benin Republic into Nigeria.

On Tuesday, FIJ released the trailer of an undercover investigation by ‘Fisayo Soyombo, its founder and editor-in-chief, and followed it up with a multimedia story on Wednesday and a 16-minute documentary on Thursday.

Same Thursday, Customs announced the distribution, saying it shared in the pains of the people.

Lagos Customs zonal office Yaba

Go there with your NIN and 10k
pic.twitter.com/0cmTM2t7YB

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 23, 2024

Fisayo drop rice smuggling documentary, next thing Nigeria Customs do rice give away.
This country na tv show 😂
We dey Season 1 episode 8

— Mr T. (@bada_mass) February 23, 2024

However, the process has already come under fire, as the NCS failed to share details of the distribution process on its social media accounts.

Messages about the NCS selling rice filtered through WhatsApp and word of mouth instead.

Nigeria Customs Service Launches Initiative to Alleviate Food Scarcity in Nigeria

…as CGC Adeniyi Kicks-off Sales of
Seized Food Items in Lagos

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed commitment to align with President Bola… pic.twitter.com/0r1EXI1B79
— NIGERIA CUSTOMS (@CustomsNG) February 23, 2024

READ ALSO: Undercover as a Smuggler

FIJ saw a text message sent and shared on WhatsApp directing Lagos residents to visit the NCS office to purchase forfeited rice on Friday.

“If you know anyone staying around Bariga, Onike, Iwaya, Yaba, UNILAG… The Customs office is sharing half a bag of rice for 10,000 (foreign rice). The requirement is your N10,000 and NIN make your way there if you can afford it now till Saturday. Please repost to get to those in need that can afford it,” the text read.

Many who hadn’t seen the text circulated on WhatsApp had numerous complaints and criticism for the NCS on X.

“Why not share the distribution centres?” Ola enquired.

Another commenter asked: “This information here is very vague. What are the procedures for getting one? Where are the purchase locations? All these and more are the questions begging for an answer.”

This is not a solution at all and if you want effectiveness , take it to every local government
— Mr Ok (@iam_mozeas) February 23, 2024

Is it only lagos that will only benefit from this or are they the only Nigerians
— Yahaya Umar Alhassan (@YahayaUmarAlha2) February 23, 2024

Others faulted the sale of contraband and forfeited goods at all.

“These are seized goods. And you’re selling it to people at a reduced price. Who are the owners of these rice? You seized it because it’s illegal or maybe the owner couldn’t pay the custom duties. Selling it now makes it legal? Selling it at a discounted rate makes it legal?” Jude Ikedichukwu asked the NCS.

“I see no genuine reasons for re-bagging seized rice but if you think it will prevent the rice from finding its way to the market please remember that you also re-bag in Nigeria. You just need to identify vulnerable homes and distribute to them,” another explained.

Share on Social Media