According to a report from PUNCH, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of several essential food items through land and sea borders.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a press briefing held at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Monday.
Kyari revealed that the suspension will apply to a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for commodities such as maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas.
This is part of the government's Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, which aims to achieve food security and economic stability in the country.
"The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders)," Kyari stated.
"These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas."
The minister further explained that the imported food commodities will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to ensure that the safety and quality of the products are not compromised.
In addition to the private sector's importation activities, the Federal Government has also committed to directly importing 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize.
These semi-processed food commodities will be targeted towards supplying small-scale processors and millers across the country.
Kyari emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.