By Uzor Odigbo
The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos on Friday released 24,034 bags of rice to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management as part of relief materials to Nigerians over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acting Comptroller of the unit, Usman Yahaya, who presented the items to the Minister, Hajia Sadiya Umar Faruk, added that 2,500 cartons of tomato paste, 120 cartons of noodles and 50 bags and 45 cartons of sugar were also delivered.
Yahaya said the items being released are in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari through the Comptroller General of Customs.
“I feel greatly honoured to welcome you and members of your entourage to Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja, on this occasion of official taking over of specified quantity and list of relief materials in our custody, as directed by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, through the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Rtd.
“This is indeed a tough and sad moment of our country’s history which calls for concerted efforts from all of us to curb the spread of the Coronavirus as well as bring succor to our people. We are not unaware of the task before your ministry but we are confident that with the support of all and sundry, you will come out successful” Yahaya said.
The Minister thanked Yayaya and Nigeria Customs Service for their support to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
Hajia Faruk also declared that 6000 units of 50kg bags of rice and two trucks of vegetable oil will be distributed to Lagos.
Also speaking at the handover ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Gbolahan Lawal thanked the Federal Government for the support while acknowledging receipt of the food items
Lawal assured the minister that the relief materials will be put to judicious use for the benefit of people in need in Lagos