Fatal Stampede At Customs Rice Sale Sparks Outrage In Nigeria

A rice sale in Lagos that has turned into a violent stampede has prompted widespread anger and protest.

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

Nigeria is facing one of its worst economic crises in decades, with soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and food insecurity. The cost of rice, a staple food for many Nigerians, has skyrocketed in recent months, making it unaffordable for millions of people living on less than €1.85 a day.

In an attempt to alleviate the hunger situation, the Nigeria Customs Service announced a sale of seized bags of rice to needy residents at a discounted price of 10,000 naira (€5.86) per 25-kilogramme bag. The rice was confiscated from smugglers who violated the government’s restrictions on foreign rice imports.

However, the sale turned tragic on Friday, February 23, when thousands of desperate people thronged the customs office in Lagos, hoping to grab a bag of the cheap rice. The crowd became unruly and broke through the barricades, causing a stampede that resulted in some fatalities and injuries.

The customs service confirmed the deaths and injuries but did not specify the number of victims. It said it was investigating the incident and suspended the sale until further notice. It also expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The incident has sparked outrage and protests across the country, as Nigerians demand the government to address the root causes of the economic crisis and provide adequate relief measures. Some protesters accused the customs service of mismanaging the rice distribution and creating a chaotic situation that could have been avoided.

The government has defended its policies, saying it is working hard to diversify the economy, boost local production, and create jobs. It has also blamed the COVID-19 pandemic, the global oil price slump, and the security challenges posed by insurgents and bandits for the economic woes.

However, critics say the government has failed to deliver on its promises and has worsened the situation by removing subsidies on petrol, increasing taxes, and borrowing heavily from external sources. They also point out the government’s lavish spending on luxury vehicles, presidential renovations, and foreign trips, while millions of Nigerians struggle to survive.

The rice stampede has exposed the extent of the hunger and desperation that many Nigerians face daily. It has also raised questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the government’s interventions and the customs service’s role in tackling food insecurity.