In a bid to tackle food shortages and mitigate rising prices, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of key food items through land and sea borders.
The decision, unveiled on Monday by Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, introduces a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities.
Kyari, addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, outlined the scope of the initiative: “The 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities includes maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining food safety standards amidst concerns about the quality of imported food items: “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.”
Additionally, Kyari disclosed plans for direct government intervention in food supply: “In addition to the importation by the private sector, the Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat and 250,000 MT of maize. These imported food commodities, in their semi-processed state, will target supplies to small-scale processors and millers across the country.”
The announcement comes at a time of heightened food insecurity in Nigeria, exacerbated by inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions.
The suspension of duties aims to increase the availability of staple foods and stabilize prices, providing relief to consumers and supporting domestic food production efforts.
As the government rolls out these measures, stakeholders will be closely monitoring their impact on food availability, prices, and the overall economic landscape, with expectations of alleviating the burden on Nigerian households struggling with food insecurity.