FG suspends taxes on corn, wheat, rice and other staple foods

The federal government has announced the suspension of customs duties, tariffs and taxes on some staple foodstuffs imported by land and sea.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the National Press Centre in Abuja.

Kyari announced that the listed food items, including maize, wheat, husked brown rice and cowpeas, will be eligible for a duty-free import period of 150 days.

He added that this move is part of the accelerated stabilization and promotion plan adopted by the President, aimed at food security and economic stability in the country.

The minister said the government was working tirelessly to control food inflation, which had led to unprecedented high prices.

Kyari therefore assured Nigerians that the government is committed to ensuring food security and ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry.

He said: “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day duty-free period for importing foodstuffs, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes on the importation of certain foodstuffs (through land and sea borders). These foodstuffs include maize, 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 imports from the private sector, the federal government will import 250,000 tonnes of wheat and 250,000 tonnes of maize. The imported food products in semi-processed form are intended to supply small-scale processors and millers across the country.”

Kayir also said that the Federal Government has established the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee to develop and implement strategies that prioritize livestock production and are in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.