In response to the escalating hunger crisis in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items. This decision addresses growing concerns over rising food prices and the severe economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, shared the news at a press conference in Abuja, stressing the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on the people.We recognise the hardships caused by high food prices in our country and we are determined to act decisively to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.“, he affirmed.
By suspending import duties and taxes on essential food items, the government aims to make these items more affordable for consumers, significantly reducing the cost of imports. This initiative is particularly important given the ongoing unrest in northern Nigeria, which has severely disrupted food supplies and contributed to a food inflation rate of more than 40%.
The move has been widely praised, including by Dele Oye, national president of the Association of Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. He described it as a positive move that will ease the financial burden on Nigerians and help combat the poverty crisis.
However, some experts warn that this measure alone may not be enough to eradicate poverty in Nigeria by 2030, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They advocate a more comprehensive strategy, including investment in agricultural mechanization, improved irrigation systems and upgraded transport infrastructure to ensure timely delivery of harvests to markets.
