PeakNews Online
…commends 150-day duty-free import window for essential items, calls for stakeholders’ engagement
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye Esq., has commended the federal government’s decision to suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of key food commodities.
In a statement, Oye said the decision represents a significant step towards mitigating the severe food inflation currently impacting Nigerian households.
The NACCIMA President also applauded the 150-day duty-free import window for essential items such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas, describing it as a commendable move that will stabilize food prices and provide much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), we commend the federal government’s decisive action to suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of key food commodities.
“This initiative, announced by Honourable Minister Abubakar Kyari, represents a significant step towards mitigating the severe food inflation currently impacting Nigerian households.
“The 150-day duty-free import window for essential items such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas is a commendable move that will likely stabilize food prices and provide much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians.
“By addressing the multiple factors contributing to rising food prices, including infrastructural challenges and market profiteering, this policy demonstrates a comprehensive approach to ensuring food affordability.”
Reiterating the need for stakeholders’ engagement, Oye further noted, “However, while we applaud these measures, it is imperative that the government immediately engages with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
“This engagement is crucial to ensure that Nigeria is not turned into a dumping ground for commodities where we already have reasonable self-sufficiency. Protecting local investments and sustaining the growth of our agricultural sector must remain a priority.”
He added, “NACCIMA stands ready to support the government in these efforts, ensuring that the strategic importation of food commodities complements rather than undermines our domestic agricultural production. Together, we can secure a balanced approach that safeguards both the immediate needs of our citizens and the long-term sustainability of our agricultural economy.”
