The federal government has said that it is working tirelessly to boost domestic food production before the expiration of the 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun said this in a statement after chairing the closed-door session of a pivotal meeting with the Nigeria Customs Service Board in Abuja.
The affected food commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Edun said the decision would increase availability of food, reduce prices, and provide immediate relief to citizens. “We discussed how to collaborate effectively to make food more affordable and accessible in the short term, the Minister explained,” Edun said.
Edun highlighted ongoing efforts by government to increase the availability of essential farming inputs, such as fertilizer and seeds, particularly for small-scale farmers, which is expected to enhance local food production and ensure availability in the long run. The minister commended the Nigeria Customs Service Board for its regular meetings to review its financial performance and operational activities.
The Minister reaffirmed the President Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to tackling both short-term and long-term food security challenges. He assured that the government would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of key policies of the Federal Government that have direct impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians.
He said by implementing a temporary zero-duty on food imports and working tirelessly to boost homegrown produce, the administration is taking comprehensive steps to ensure food security, reduce inflation, and promote economic growth.