The Federal Government has announced its plans on Tuesday to initiate guidelines for the suspension of customs duties and taxes on imported food items next week.
Recall in July, the government had approved a 150-day duty-free period for the importation of maize, husked brown rice and wheat which will address the rising food inflation affecting the nation.
During a meeting with heads of security agencies in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs in person of Bashir Adeniyi, indicated that the policy's implementation would begin once the guidelines receive finalization.
He noted that the delay in launching the policy aimed to consider the interests of all stakeholders, including farmers.
Adeniyi urged the public to remain patient, stating that some imported items already present in the country would clear without incurring duties and taxes.
He emphasized the need to balance the long-term interests of Nigerian farmers with the immediate concerns of food inflation.
Adeniyi also acknowledged the ongoing protests focused on eradicating hunger and affirmed that the government actively seeks solutions to this pressing issue through various fiscal policies and strategic interventions from relevant ministries and agencies.
He highlighted past efforts, such as the distribution of essential food items from national grain reserves to states, as part of the government's commitment to addressing food shortages.
