High food prices: FG orders 150-day duty free for maize, wheat, brown rice

The federal government has unveiled measures aimed at crashing high food prices in the country, ordering a 150-day import-free window on some commodities.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, who announced the plans in Abuja on Monday at a press conference, said the measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.

The minister said the duty-free import window for food commodities will lead to the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders).

He listed the commodities to include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

“Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a recommended retail price (RRP),” he said.

“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.

“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.

“Engage relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and mop up surplus assorted food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.

“We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.

“The PFSCU will manage a dashboard for Mr. President, providing him with direct visibility into these interventions and ensuring accountability.

“The success of the measures aforementioned is contingent on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant MDAs and stakeholders. As our nation confronts a critical food security challenge, let me reiterate Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to attaining food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

“To this end, I can assure all Nigerians, that my team and I, will swiftly and diligently actualize these crucial policies to ensure food security for everyone in the country in the immediate term as we also continue our strategies for long-term interventions to address the underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in the country.”