As part of efforts to curb food inflation, the federal government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari while addressing a press conference on monday in Abuja said the measures would be implemented over the next 180 days.
His words: “A 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 aware that some good citizens might be concerned about the quality of the would-be imported food commodities as it relates to the trending worries around the genetic composition of food. 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.”
Kyari said in addition to the importation by private sector, the federal government would mport 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of Maize.
He noted that the imported food commodities in their semi processed state would target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.