The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has announced immediate measures to address the high cost of food in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced this on his official X account, stating that there will be a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.
This window will include: the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders.
The targeted commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.
Kyari said, “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days”.
To achieve its objective, the Minister said that the imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price, (RRP).
He said, “We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The Government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption..
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
“Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation. Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.
“Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and peppers, to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages”.
Kyari further stated that the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee has been inaugurated to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and that a Ministry of Livestock Development has been created.
Furthermore, regarding some of the steps taken by the government, the minister said steps have been taken to enhance nutrition security.
