The Federal Government of Nigeria in a new move to address the increasing cost of food prices has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said the measures introduced will be implemented over the announced period. This will involve the 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.
Abubakar Kyari stated thus:
“We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.”
“As our nation confronts this critical food security challenge, I reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
“My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualize these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term while continuing our strategies for long-term interventions to address underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria.”