Federal Government Unveils 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window to Alleviate Food Shortage

Abuja, Nigeria — In a strategic move aimed at addressing the escalating food crisis, the Federal Government announced on Monday the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of key food items.

This strategic initiative, disclosed by Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, offers a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.**

At a well-attended press conference in Abuja, Minister Kyari emphasized the urgency and importance of this measure. “The 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities is designed to ease the burden on Nigerian households and ensure food security.

This policy suspends duties, tariffs, and taxes for importing specific food items through both land and sea borders,” he announced.

The importation of these food commodities will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to ensure affordability and prevent price gouging. Kyari assured the public that the safety and quality of the imported foods would not be compromised.

“The Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption,” he stated.

In a bid to further stabilize the market and support local processors, the Federal Government will directly import 250,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat and 250,000MT of maize.

These imports, arriving in a semi-processed state, are intended to supply small-scale processors and millers across the country, boosting their production capabilities and ensuring a steady supply of food products.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Many believe this move could significantly alleviate the food scarcity that has plagued the nation, driven by both local production challenges and global supply chain disruptions.

Economic analysts have praised the government’s proactive approach, noting that reducing import duties and taxes on these essential commodities could lower food prices and increase availability in the short term.

However, they also warn that long-term solutions must focus on improving local agricultural productivity and resilience.

As the 150-day window begins, all eyes will be on the implementation of this policy and its impact on food prices and availability.

The Federal Government’s commitment to importing significant quantities of wheat and maize demonstrates a robust strategy to mitigate immediate food security concerns, while also highlighting the need for continued efforts to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to combat food insecurity, and its success or failure will likely shape future agricultural policies and strategies.