The Federal Government has announced a suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on certain essential food items imported via land and sea borders.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, revealed this during a Monday press briefing at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
Kyari detailed that maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas will benefit from a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
This measure is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at securing food supplies and promoting economic stability in Nigeria.
The minister emphasized the government’s efforts to tackle the current inflation crisis, which has caused prices to soar to unprecedented levels.
Kyari assured the public that the government is dedicated to ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
He 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.
“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.
“In addition to the importation by the private sector, the Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”
Kyari also said the federal government has also inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee to develop and implement policies that prioritize livestock development and align with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
