FG Suspends Import Duties, Taxes on Essential Food Items

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The federal government has suspended import duties and taxes on essential food items in a bid to make Nigerians buy them at affordable prices.

Food inflation is over 40 per cent as a result of the shortfall in supply due to insecurity in the northern part of the country, where most of the food crops are planted.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Bashir Adeniyi, in a public address, said the government has decided to remove import duties and taxes on the importation of essential food items to address hunger in the land.

This action is coming just two days before the proposed August 1, 2024, nationwide hunger protests by Nigerians, who want the government to make life better for them.

“We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation,” Mr Adeniyi said.

“In these challenging times, let us unite in resilience and cooperation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have embraced the path of peace and dialogue,” he added.

The customs chief also disclosed that the agency was intensifying its efforts to combat the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons through Nigeria’s land, sea, and airports, stressing the importance of collective efforts and peaceful progress to strengthen the country’s borders.

Mr Adeniyi warned that the destruction of the supply chain affects foreign investment, distorts trade, promotes instability, increases scarcity, and hinders revenue collection, calling for constructive engagement and cooperation from all Nigerians to overcome current challenges and build a brighter future.

He said the NCS has streamlined export processes to facilitate the efficient movement of Nigerian goods to international markets, including the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorised economic operators, and a time-release study designed to enhance trade, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities.