Federal Government on Monday announced plans to suspend duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders.
The foods include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.
Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this while announcing a proposed 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, 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 the private sector, the 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.”
However, the Minister noted that the scheme, under the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan remained a draft document.
