The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on select essential food items imported through land and sea borders.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
Kyari revealed that the affected food items, including maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will benefit from 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 in Nigeria.
The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to combat the ongoing food inflation crisis, which has led to unprecedented price increases.
Kyari assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and preventing hunger.
“The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities, suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through land and sea borders,” Kyari stated. “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”
He emphasized that the government’s standards would not compromise the safety of the imported food items for consumption. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize.
These semi-processed food commodities will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
In a related development, Kyari announced the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee.
This committee is tasked with developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
