The federal government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on essential food items imported through land and sea borders, particularly rice, wheat and maize.
The move is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan, which is aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja on Monday.
He said the items, which also include cowpeas will enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
Kyari said the government has been working tirelessly to address the food inflation crisis, which has seen prices skyrocket to unprecedented levels.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry.
Explaining further, the minister 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.”
Kyari said in addition to importation by the private sector, the Federal Government will also import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize in their semi-processed state, and target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.
The minister further revealed that the federal government has also inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee to develop and implement policies that prioritise livestock development and align with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
