The Federal Government has suspended taxes, duties, and tariffs on certain food items imported through land and sea borders. This announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, at a press briefing held at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Monday, July 8, 2024.
The essential food items benefiting from this suspension include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas. These items will enjoy a 150-day duty-free import window. Minister Kyari stated that the government has been diligently working to address the food inflation crisis in the country. He assured that the administration led by President Bola Tinubu is committed to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
"The Federal Government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes for importing 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," Kyari said.
In addition to allowing private sector importation, the Federal Government will also import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed imported food commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
Kyari further disclosed that the Federal Government has inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee. This committee was established to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in the country.
