The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a 150-day duty-free importation of select food products, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas, to address rising food inflation in the country. This measure is part of the Presidential Accelerated and Stabilisation Advancement Plan (ASAP).
According to Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the initiative will suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on these imports through both land and sea borders. The government aims to ensure a steady food supply and stabilize prices.
To address concerns about the quality and genetic composition of the imported foods, the minister assured that the government would maintain safety standards. The imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to prevent price gouging.
The government will also import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize, which will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country. This move aims to support the private sector and ensure a stable food supply chain.
