The Federal Government has announced its suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders.
The suspension of the staple foods was made known by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in Abuja on Monday.
In the list, according to Kyari are: maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, saying the food items will have a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
The Minister explained that the development is consistent with Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan for enthronement of food security and economic stability in the country.
He added that government has been working round the clock to arrest the prevailing food inflation crisis.
His own words, “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.”
