The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has began implementing duty-free and tax-free importation of rice, flour, wheat, and other important food commodities to help decrease the country’s high food expenses in the midst of Nigeria’s acute famine crisis.
This was revealed during a press conference by Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the NCS, on the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) half-year performance.
He declared that in order to lower the nation’s hunger rate, the administration is dedicated to tackling the growing prices of staple foods.
He stated “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended import levies and taxes on basic food goods to make them more affordable. We are committed to effortlessly implementing this plan to address our nation’s hunger crisis.”
“We have streamlined export procedures to guarantee that Nigerian commodities reach overseas markets efficiently. We introduced tools such as the Advanced Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operator, and Time Release Study to improve commerce, stimulate the economy, and generate opportunities. Our farmers, craftspeople, and business owners will now have an expedited route to international markets, which will benefit their families and communities.”
Backstory
Earlier in July, the federal government declared a 150-day duty-free import period for vital food commodities like as rice, maize, wheat, and cowpeas.
The Presidential Accelerated and Stabilisation Advancement Plan (ASAP), which calls for the federal government to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize to replenish the depleted strategic reserves, is being implemented, according to Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
The agricultural sector’s players are not happy about the policy to import necessities into the nation. Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the current president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and a former minister of agriculture, criticised the program, warning that food imports could completely undermine Nigeria’s agricultural strategy.
Additionally, Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, the president of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), bemoaned the fact that the policy will undo the progress gained in the nation’s domestic production of wheat, maize, and rice.
What to note
Given that food inflation is expected to reach 40% in May 2024, Nigeria is experiencing one of the biggest food crises in recent memory. The NBS data indicates that over the past year, the average price of staple items such rice, beans, wheat, maize, and bread has more than doubled.
Based on projections from global development organisations such as the World Bank, FAO, and World Food Program (WFP), the ongoing food crisis is expected to cause over 32 million Nigerians to face acute famine by 2024.
