Abuja, July 8, 2024 – The Federal Government on Monday announced temporary suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential foods for 150 days.
Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He listed the affected food items to include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas.
The minister said the move was part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan to achieve food security and economic stability in the country.
He also said the government was working to address the current food inflation crisis in the country.
Kyari 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.”
