‘Customs Not Responsible For Rice Stampede In Lagos’

The Nigerian Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), said that the stampede that erupted during the sale of rice that was discounted in Lagos was not a responsibility of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
This was the outcome of the NCSCN released at the weekend in a communiqué, following its deliberations on the current situation of the nation in Abuja, while outlining its plan of action for the first quarter of 2024.

The episode on February 23, in which the government of President Bola Tinubu, performing through the NCS, attempted to provide essential humanitarian assistance as an outcome of the current economic difficulties, was deemed deplorable by the NCSCN.
‘’It is saddening that this good intended gesture of government witnessed unexpected casualties,’’ the council stated in the communique signed by its executive director, Blessing Akinlosotu.

The emergency meeting, according to the council, was established in accordance with its convention, procedures, and duties, and its purpose was to discuss the significant developments, pressing national challenges, and state of the nation as it currently stands.
Since the NCS was just carrying out its assigned mandate, the council concluded that the incidence could only be attributed to the naira’s unstable and high exchange rate and its associated repercussions.
The council went on to mention other elements as the root of the problems the nation was currently facing.

‘’The naira depreciation has culminated into high cost of living, particularly the food inflation that is soaring higher as the day breaks.
‘’The resultant closure of factories and reduction in services has yielded only unemployment and increase in criminality.
‘’It was also observed that the high cost of transportation is affecting productivity.
‘’The council observed with displeasure the drop in electricity supply which has affected both domestic and industrial activities.

‘’The council also observed the resurgence of communal crisis and clashes, insurgencies, and kidnappings,’’ it said.
In light of accountability and transparency, the NCS made the optimum decision, according to the communiqué, to require payment for the discounted grains through Remita.
‘’However, due to poor network, the payment was slow, culminating into a waste of time, then leading to the decision for cash on ground purchase.

‘’Furthermore, it was also revealed that when the Comptroller General realised that the Cash Payment method was still slow and time was fast running out, he ordered for free distributions, which yielded positive results.
‘’However, at some point after he had left, the crowd became impatient and unruly as they observed that the products were running out, then many pushed their way through the security barricades into the containers.
‘’This led to a stampede and suffocation of some persons due to intense heat and inadequate air,’’ it stated

As part of NCS’ emergency readiness policy, the council stated that although emergency ambulances were equipped and accessible to transport casualties to hospitals, the lengthy distance and traffic conditions did not assist things, resulting in the tragic loss of some lives.

‘’We quite agree that there could have been better arrangements, however, the development is pardonable considering the good motives, intentions, actions and decisions of the NCS, hence we recommend the Service to conduct thorough investigations to address lapses and adequately compensate families of the victims,’’ it added.
However, the NCSCN told the council that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s inaction was a bigger cause for worry.