The Federal Government announced the temporary suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food items via land and sea borders. These food items specifically include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a press conference held in Abuja. He stated, “There will be a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, involving the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through land and sea borders.”
Kyari emphasized that imported food commodities under this initiative will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to regulate market prices and ensure affordability.
He assured the public that the government remains committed to upholding safety standards for all food items imported for consumption.
Furthermore, Kyari announced additional measures where the Federal Government plans to import 250,000 metric tons (MT) each of wheat and maize. These imported commodities, in semi-processed form, aim to bolster supplies to small-scale processors and millers nationwide.