On Monday, the Federal Government announced the suspension of tariffs, duties, and taxes on essential food imports arriving through land and sea borders.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the directive takes effect immediately.
Key food items such as wheat, maize, husked brown rice, and cowpeas will enjoy a 150-day duty-free import window.
This initiative is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at achieving food security and economic stability.
The minister noted, “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.”
The Federal Government is taking action to address the food inflation crisis, which has caused a significant spike in the prices of essential food items.
The government remains committed to ensuring food security and guaranteeing that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, according to the Minister.
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.”
Minister Kyari announced that, in addition to private sector imports, the Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize, which will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers nationwide.
Furthermore, he inaugurated the ‘Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee’, tasked with developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
The minister emphasized that the government’s efforts to address food inflation and ensure food security demonstrate a proactive commitment to supporting the nation’s economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.
