THE President Bola Tinubu-led administration has announced measures to tackle the skyrocketing food prices nationwide.
According to media reports, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the measures would be implemented over the next 180 days.
“A 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities, which includes suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders,” he said.
The commodities the Government is prioritising to benefit from this include Maize, Husked Brown Rice, Wheat, and Cowpeas.
The statement from the Minister further noted that “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).”
The Government further promised to ensure the importation of only quality produce.
“In addition to the importation by the private sector, 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,” the statement added.
The Government also said it would engage relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and mop up surplus assorted food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.