FG Waives Taxes on Imported Food Commodities
FG Suspends Tax on Food Commodities Importation
Nigeria's Federal Government suspends taxes on food commodity imports, announces 150-day duty-free import window for select food items, and outlines plans to address high food costs, ensure food security, and promote sustainable food systems.
The import of food goods is no longer subject to charges, tariffs, or taxes, as announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This development was published on social media on Wednesday, July 10, by Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who outlined the Federal Government's plans to address the high cost of food in the country.
Food goods will be eligible for a 150-day duty-free import window as part of these measures. The importation of cowpeas, wheat, husked brown rice, and maize over both land and sea borders is exempt from customs, levies, and taxes.
These measures, according to the minister, will be in place for the next 180 days.
"Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price, RRP," Kyari said.
"We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.
“Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, PFSCU, and the Economic Management Team, EMT, we will convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks.
“We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”
The Federal Government would purchase 250,000 metric tons of wheat and maize, according to Kyari, who was outlining preparations for further action. Nationwide distribution of these semi-processed commodities will be made to small-scale processors and millers.
Along with purchasing excess food to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve, the government will work with pertinent parties to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price, or GMP.
Kyari stated that a greater emphasis on production will be placed on the 2024–2025 farming cycle. This endeavor will involve bolstering and growing dry season farming across the country, aggressively implementing agricultural mechanization to decrease labor intensity, lower production costs, and boost productivity, and continuing to support smallholder farmers during the current wet season farming through current government programs.
“Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation,” he said.
“Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.
“Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages.
“Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme and encouraging other para- military establishments to utilize available arable lands for cultivation.
“Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee
“This committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and a ministry of Livestock Development has been created.
Kyari underlined that the cooperation and coordination of all pertinent Ministries, Departments, Agencies, MDAS, and other stakeholders is necessary for these steps to be successful.
The minister restated President Bola Tinubu's commitment to ensuring food security and preventing hunger among Nigerians.
Kyari committed to swiftly and diligently implementing these policies alongside his team, prioritizing immediate food security while simultaneously developing comprehensive long-term solutions to address root causes and foster sustainable, resilient food systems in Nigeria.
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