The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on key imported food items via land and sea borders. This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during a press briefing at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Monday.

Kyari stated that the exempted food items, including maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will benefit from a 150-day duty-free import window. This initiative is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at ensuring food security and economic stability in the country.

“The government is actively addressing the food inflation crisis, which has driven prices to unprecedented levels,” Kyari said, assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to food security and preventing hunger.

“The Federal Government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities, suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes for imports through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas,” Kyari confirmed.

He added that imported food commodities would be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to ensure affordability while maintaining safety standards.

“In addition to private sector imports, the Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed food commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers nationwide,” Kyari added.

Furthermore, the minister announced the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee. This committee is tasked with developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development, in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.