Gwamcee News
The federal government has announced that duties, tariffs and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas will be suspended.
In a statement by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Monday said, the suspension is part of measures to be implemented over the next 150 days to ameliorate food inflation in Nigeria.
Kyari said: “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). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.
“Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).
“I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.
“In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”