Breaking: Relief as FG suspends tariffs, taxes on rice, other food items

The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders.

Persecondnews reports that the foods include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

Mr. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this on Monday while unveiling a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities to ameliorate food inflation in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kyari announced a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, which would suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through both 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 tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize.

“The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to small-scale processors and millers across the country.”