The Federal Government has declared that certain basic food commodities imported over land and sea borders will no longer be subject to charges, levies, or taxes.
Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this information on Monday during a press conference held at the National Press Center in Abuja.
Kyari revealed that a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window will be available for the food goods on the list, which include cowpeas, wheat, husked brown rice, and maize.
He went on to say that the action is a component of the President's Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, which aims to achieve both economic stability and food security for the nation.
The minister claimed that despite costs for food surging to previously unheard-of heights, the government has been working nonstop to address the issue.
Kyari, therefore, assured Nigerians that the government is committed to achieving food security and ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry.
He said, “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of 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.
“In addition to the importation by the private sector, the Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”
In addition, Kyari stated that the National Livestock Transformation Plan will be followed by policies that prioritize livestock development and are developed and implemented by the federal government through the establishment of the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee.
