The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Ogun Command, has announced plans to begin another round of distribution of seized rice and other food items to citizens as soon as the Federal Government finalises the modalities for the exercise. The Service says this is a move to alleviate the hardship Nigerians are facing due to the skyrocketing prices of food in the country. According to the command, the modalities for the distribution exercise became necessary to prevent a repeat of the tragic incident recalled in Lagos, where scores of people died when armed hoodlums in camouflage gear attempted to force their way into the venue. Recall that the Nigeria Customs began the distribution of seized food items on the order of the Federal Government to Nigerians to help mitigate the current hardship in the country. While speaking with newsmen at the command headquarters in Ibadan, yesterday, the Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command, Ben Oramalugo, said that in light of the current food shortage and rising prices, the federal government has directed the Nigeria Customs Service to distribute seized rice at a cheaper price to the public to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and make sure that they have access to affordable food. He said that the distribution of the seized items would go a long way in alleviating the hardship being faced by many families, while adding that they are taking the directive very seriously, and are committed to ensuring that the seized rice is distributed fairly and transparently, with eligible beneficiaries carefully screened and verified before they receive the items. In his words, “Once the necessary modalities are in place, the distribution of seized rice will begin. We will provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the distribution.” “In the meantime, we would like to remind everyone that smuggling is illegal and that those who engage in it are subject to serious penalties.” “We urge everyone to support the government’s efforts to crack down on smuggling and ensure that only legal goods are brought into the country.”