Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Federal Government, on Monday, suspended tariffs, duties and taxes on key food imports through land and sea borders.
This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja.
Kyari, who said the directive takes immediate effect, revealed that essential food items such as wheat, maize, husked brown rice, and cowpeas will benefit from a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
He explained that the initiative is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at achieving food security and economic stability.
The minister said, “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.”
According to him, the FG is addressing the food inflation crisis, which has led to prices of staples to rise astronomically.
He, however, reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to achieving food security and ensuring no citizen goes to bed hungry.
The minister added, “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.”
Kyari said in addition to private sector importation, the FG will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize to be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
He likewise announced the inauguration of the ‘Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee’, which will develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
According to the minister, the FG’s commitment to tackling food inflation and ensuring food security reflects a proactive approach to supporting the nation’s economic stability and the well-being of Nigerians.
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