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August 15, 2024 Federal Government Initiates Duty-Free Importation of Food Items
IFMNEWS

Federal Government Initiates Duty-Free Importation of Food Items

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been instructed to begin implementing a zero percent import duty and exemption from Value-Added Tax (VAT) on basic food items, following the approval from President Bola Tinubu. The Ministry of Finance confirmed this directive in a letter sent to the NCS on August 8, 2024, and the NCS officially acknowledged the directive in a document shared on Wednesday.

In response, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, ordered officials to start enforcing these measures. The circular, titled “Approval for the implementation of zero percent duty rate on basic food items,” outlined that the policy, effective from July 15 to December 31, 2024, applies to specific food commodities including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, grain beans, and millet.

The Deputy Comptroller-General, C.K. Niagwan, clarified that the policy is limited to the listed items and is intended for importers with milling capacity and a verifiable Backward Integration Programme (BIP). The Ministry of Finance will periodically provide the NCS with a list of approved importers and quotas to guide the importation process during the policy's duration.

RELATED: Food Prices Set to Drop as FG Suspends Taxes on Imported Food Items

This move follows the Federal Government's announcement on July 10 to suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on food imports via land and sea borders, aiming to curb inflation. On August 7, the NCS confirmed that the duty waiver would be implemented within the week.

Finance Minister Wale Edun emphasized that this measure is intended to address the high cost of food items in Nigeria, with the duty rate on certain staples reduced to zero. Importers eligible for the waiver must demonstrate milling capacity and a commitment to sourcing raw materials locally through BIP.

Despite these efforts, the Comptroller-General of Customs noted that the government stands to lose approximately N188 billion in revenue due to the duty suspension on food imports. To ensure effective implementation, special corridors will be established for clearing food imports.

August 15, 2024 Minister Vows Accountability for Those Responsible for Poor Olympics Performance
IFMSPORTS

Minister Vows Accountability for Those Responsible for Poor Olympics Performance

Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has warned that government officials could lose their positions if investigations reveal they played a role in Nigeria's lack of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Speaking on a monitored program, Enoh emphasized that all issues from the games would be thoroughly examined.

"I will engage and interrogate all of these matters," Enoh stated. "You don't fire without investigating. I've made it clear that I won't let these issues go unaddressed; I will tackle them one by one."

When asked if there would be consequences, Enoh responded, "If that's what it takes—if my findings show that individuals are responsible for the negative outcomes we experienced at the Olympics—then yes, heads will roll."

He also called for comprehensive reforms within the country's sporting federations to improve sports development. Apologizing to Nigerians for the disappointing performance in Paris, Enoh criticized the leadership of the federations and stressed the importance of establishing strong systems and structures to ensure Nigeria fields its best athletes and wins medals in future games.

"I've consistently said that our federations need reform," he added.

August 14, 2024 Resident Doctors Threaten Strike Over Colleague’s Prolonged Abduction
IFMNEWS

Resident Doctors Threaten Strike Over Colleague’s Prolonged Abduction

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that they will initiate a nationwide strike if their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, is not released by August 26. NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, expressing the association's frustration with the government's inaction regarding the abduction.

Dr. Ganiyat, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was released in March, Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew remain in captivity.

Abdullahi explained that NARD had promptly informed all relevant security agencies and government bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association and the Ministries of Health and Labour, urging them to act swiftly for her rescue. Despite these efforts, there has been little progress.

Abdullahi emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria, especially given the critical need for their presence in the country. He noted that the association has repeatedly reached out to security agencies and government officials but has yet to engage directly with them about the situation.

NARD plans to hold a national press conference and organize protests at tertiary hospitals across the country to demand Dr. Ganiyat's release. The association has also stated that they will begin industrial action on August 26 if she is not freed by that date.

While acknowledging the efforts of concerned Nigerians and security forces, NARD urged the government to take more decisive action to secure Dr. Ganiyat’s release. Abdullahi expressed dismay that a healthcare provider has been held captive for over seven months without any clear plan for her rescue.

August 14, 2024 Lagos and Ogun Launch Campaign to Ban Open Defecation Along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway
IFMNEWS

Lagos and Ogun Launch Campaign to Ban Open Defecation Along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway

The Lagos and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agencies have launched a joint media campaign to ban open defecation along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Announced by the Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the campaign aims to improve public health and environmental sustainability by targeting the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge.

Led by LASEPA General Manager Babatunde Ajayi and Ogun State’s Environmental Adviser Oluwadare Kehinde, the initiative focuses on preventing the spread of cholera and other diseases, while enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal. The campaign also plans to involve local stakeholders in monitoring for violations. Ogun State is further collaborating with international organizations to build more public toilets to help eliminate open defecation.

 

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