CNN —The Nigeria Customs Service says it is investigating reports people were trampled to death during a sale of bags of confiscated rice amid growing anger over skyrocketing prices of food in Africa’s most populous country.
Long queues have formed outside the Lagos customs office since the commencement of the sale as thousands of locals struggle to grab a bag of the 25-kilogram rice selling at a discounted price of 10,000 naira ($6.80).
The customs service said the distribution of the seized bags of rice was part of the government’s plan “to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity.”The cost of rice, a staple food in Nigeria, has surged in recent months.
The customs service says it has been confiscating contraband rice from smugglers following restrictions on foreign rice imports by the Nigerian government.
Analysts welcomed the rice distribution initiative but questioned its viability in tackling Nigeria’s worsening food insecurity.
Persons:
Abdullahi Maiwada, “, ”, couldn’t, Sam Amadi, Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Babajide Sanwo, Olu
Organizations:
CNN, Nigeria Customs Service, World Bank, Analysts
Locations:
Africa’s, Lagos, West, India, Nigeria, Nigerian