The Nigeria Customs Service has launched an investigation into reports of fatalities during a chaotic sale of confiscated rice, as frustration mounts over soaring food prices in Africa’s most populous nation.
Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the service, stated, “There was a chaotic situation caused by the impatience of people to follow the laid down procedures and rules that were set up for the exercise. I can neither confirm nor deny any deaths but we are investigating.”
Long queues outside the Lagos customs office have been observed since the rice sale began, with thousands vying for discounted 25-kilogram bags priced at 10,000 naira ($6.80).
Eyewitnesses recounted witnessing people being “trampled to death” during the frenzy.
“A man just died in my hospital, he was stamped on after falling at the custom office trying to get rice,” said one Nigerian doctor.
Last week, anti-government protests erupted across Nigeria amid one of its worst cost-of-living crises, marked by nearly 30% inflation and a significant depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar.
More than 80 million Nigerians live on less than $2 a day, making it the world’s second-largest poor population after India, according to the World Bank.
The customs service explained that the rice distribution aimed to address food insecurity, with rice prices skyrocketing to over N70,000 ($47.60) per 50kg bag.
The service has been confiscating contraband rice from smugglers following restrictions on foreign rice imports by the Nigerian government.
While the rice distribution initiative was welcomed, analysts questioned its effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s deepening food insecurity crisis.
Political analyst Sam Amadi emphasized the need for a clear policy framework and nationwide distribution plan to ensure impact.
President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the food security challenges and emphasized the importance of home-grown solutions while facing criticism over government spending priorities.
Meanwhile, Lagos state announced plans to address the food crisis, including the opening of special markets to sell food items at affordable rates, aiming to serve over 500,000 Lagosians.
As investigations continue into the tragic incident, Nigeria grapples with urgent measures to alleviate the burden of rising food prices and ensure food security for its citizens.
