Suspension of import duties on essential food items has gone into effect, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday.
It is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the high cost of food.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi said the measure aims to make essential food items more affordable for Nigerians.
Acknowledging the global inflationary trend and its impact on Nigeria, he emphasised the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on citizens.
He outlined the NCS’s efforts to streamline export processes, enhance trade and stimulate the economy.
According to Adeniyi, the reforms will provide farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a faster path to global markets, thereby benefiting their families and communities.
“We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation,” he added.
Adeniyi said in addition to economic measures, the NCS is intensifying efforts to combat the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons through land, sea, and airports.
Adeniyi said: “In these challenging times, let us unite in resilience and cooperation.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have embraced the path of peace and dialogue.”
The Federal Government on July 10 announced that a 180-day duty-free import window for food commodities would commence.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said it was part of measures to bring down the high cost of food.
“My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualise these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term,” he said.
With the policy, there will be no duties, tariffs, or taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders, such as maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas.
The minister, in a tweet via his verified X handle @SenatorAKyari, said within the 180-day timeframe, the Federal Government would import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and maize each.
The imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), he said.
“We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition.
“The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption,” Kyari said.
According to him, these semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers nationwide.
Other measures, he said, would be the purchase of surplus food commodities to restock the national strategic food reserve. (The Nation)
