The Federal Government (FG) has suspended duties, tariffs and taxes on some essential food stuff imported through land and sea borders.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the National Press Centre, Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, would enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
Kyari added that the move was a part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in the country.
The minister added that the FG had been working assiduously to address the food inflation crisis in the country, which has led to hike in prices of commodities.
He assured Nigerians that the government was committed to achieving food security and ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Kyari also said the federal government had also inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee to develop and implement policies that prioritize livestock development and align with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
