The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja on Monday.

Kyari disclosed that the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.

He added that the move is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, which is aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in the country.

The minister stated that the government has been working tirelessly to address the food inflation crisis, which has seen prices skyrocket to unprecedented levels.

Kyari, therefore, assured Nigerians that the government is committed to achieving food security and ensuring that no citizen goes to bed hungry.

He said, “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.

“Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

“I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.

“In addition to the importation by the private sector, the 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.”

Kayir also said the federal government has also inaugurated the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee to develop and implement policies that prioritize livestock development and align with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

This comes as Nigerians groan over economic hardship and the rising cost of living with food inflation reaching 40.5 per cent.

Among the hardest-hit commodities is rice, a dietary staple. In the past year alone, rice prices have skyrocketed by 169 per cent, reaching nearly N90,000 per bag in March and April.

This sharp increase in food costs is placing immense strain on households across the country, exacerbating an already fragile economy.

It’s estimated that around 31 million Nigerians may face severe food shortages by August this year.