Tinubu government plans to suspend taxes and import duties on maize, wheat and rice

The federal government announced plans on Monday to suspend tariffs, fees and taxes on the import of certain foodstuffs across land and sea borders.

Foods include corn, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made the announcement when he announced a planned 150-day duty-free import period for food products.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kyari said: “150 days duty-free importation period for food products, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes on importation of certain food products (through land and sea borders).

“These raw materials include corn, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

“Under this regulation, a recommended retail price (RRP) is set for imported foodstuffs.

“I would like to stress once again that the Government’s attitude represents exemplary standards that do not compromise the safety of the various foods intended for consumption.

“In addition to private sector imports, the federal government will import 250,000 tonnes of wheat and 250,000 tonnes of maize.

“The imported semi-processed food products are intended to supply small processors and millers throughout the country.”

The Minister noted, however, that the regulation under the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan is still a draft document.