By Kingston Magare
In a bid to drive down the rising cost of food items the Federal government has removed 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.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, revealed this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja Monday.
“There’s 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 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.”
