Nigeria customs investigates deadly crowd crush during sale of seized bags of rice

Bags of confiscated rice for sale are seen in Lagos, Nigeria, in this photo shared by Nigeria Customs services on February 23, 2024.

The Nigeria Customs Service is currently investigating reports of fatalities during a sale of confiscated rice, amidst rising tensions over soaring food prices in Africa’s most populous nation.

Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the service, said on Saturday that there was a chaotic situation due to people's impatience to adhere to the established procedures and rules for the exercise. He neither confirmed nor denied any deaths but assured that an investigation is underway.

Long queues have formed outside the Lagos customs office since the sale began, with thousands of locals vying to purchase a 25-kilogram bag of rice at a discounted price of 10,000 naira ($6.80).

Eyewitnesses reported seeing individuals being trampled to death on Friday. One Nigerian doctor shared a heartbreaking account of a man who died after being stampeded at the customs office while trying to procure rice with his wife.

Last week, anti-government protests erupted in various parts of the West African nation amidst one of its most severe cost-of-living crises, with inflation soaring to nearly 30% - the highest in 30 years.

The local currency has also experienced significant depreciation, losing over half its value against the US dollar after its second devaluation in less than a year.

With more than 80 million Nigerians living on less than $2 a day, the country hosts "the world’s second-largest poor population after India," according to the World Bank.

The customs service stated that the distribution of confiscated rice aligns with the government’s efforts to address food insecurity.

The price of rice, a staple in Nigeria, has surged in recent months, now exceeding N70,000 ($47.60) per 50kg bag, compared to the previous range of 45,000 to 50,000 naira.

The customs service has been confiscating contraband rice from smugglers following restrictions on foreign rice imports imposed by the Nigerian government.

While analysts welcome the rice distribution initiative, they question its effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity. Political analyst Sam Amadi emphasized the need for a well-defined policy framework for such interventions.

President Bola Tinubu, who has faced criticism over rising prices, asserted his commitment to developing local solutions to tackle food security challenges.

The Lagos government announced plans to address the food crisis by opening special markets across the state to sell essential food items at affordable rates, aiming to serve over 500,000 residents. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the construction of food hubs as part of the initiative.