The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has announced that certain essential food commodities imported via land and sea borders will no longer incur charges, levies, or taxes.
Kyari confirmed the suspension of taxes on the commodities during a press briefing at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Monday.
According to the minister, a 150-day duty-free import window will apply to designated food items such as cowpeas, wheat, husked brown rice, and maize.
He noted that this initiative was part of the President’s Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at achieving economic stability and enhancing food security across the nation.
The minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat food inflation, which has contributed to significant price increases in recent times.
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“The federal government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, a 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 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize.
“The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to small-scale processors and millers across the country.” He said.