Victor EzejaThe Nigerian Government has proposed a temporary zero-duty levy on selected food imports, as part of measures to reduce food prices and alleviate the burden of inflation on the citizens.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who announced this on Tuesday, said the aim of the initiative is to increase food availability, reduce prices as well as provide immediate relief to citizens.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA statement by Mohammed Manga, Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, said the minister made the disclosure after a close-door meeting with the Nigeria Customs Service Board in Abuja.
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The statement quoted Edun as saying that they discussed about “how to collaborate effectively to make food more affordable and accessible in the short term.”
Edun assured that while the initiative is to provide an immediate relief, President Tinubu remains focused on long-term solutions, particularly boosting domestic food production.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the government to increase the availability of essential farming inputs, such as fertiliser and seeds, particularly for small-scale farmers, which is expected to enhance local food production and ensure availability in the long run.
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According to the statement, the Minister applauded the Nigeria Customs Service Board for its regular meetings to review the Agency’s financial performance and operational activities.
“He praised the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the top Management of the Service for upholding the core values of Transparency, Integrity, and Merit, noting that these values are essential for effective governance and operations of the Service.
“The Minister reaffirmed the President Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to tackling both short-term and long-term food security challenges while continuing to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of key policies of the Federal Government that have direct impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians,” Manga stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
