Hunger protest: Tinubu affirms suspension of import duties, taxes on essential food items
Maureen Aguta
President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that he has directed the immediate suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items and pharmaceuticals for six months in the first instance with view of bring succor to the suffering Nigerians who suffered intense hardship occasioned by his twin policy of fuel subsidy removal and floating of the exchange rate of the naira.
This was one of the highlights of the presidential address by President Tinubu on Sunday to persuade protesting Nigerians who have been on the streets in the past three day in scheduled national protest against hunger and economic hardship, to stop the protest and go home.
He said, “I have directed that tariffs and other import duties should be removed on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next 6 months, in the first instance, to help drive down the prices.”
Advocacy Times reports that the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Monday broken the news in a video message he posted on their Customs media platform, saying the move to make the basic necessities more affordable for Nigerians and address the prevalent food inflation in the nation which rose to over 43 per cent June.
Adeniyi noted the widespread economic challenges and outlined the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on its citizens.
He acknowledged that global inflation is impacting nations worldwide, including Nigeria, noting that to address this, the federal government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, is suspending import duties and taxes on essential food items to make them more affordable.
Adeniyi also stated that the NCS has streamlined export processes to facilitate the efficient movement of Nigerian goods to international markets.
He said this initiative includes the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorised economic operators, and a time-release study designed to enhance trade, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities.
Adeniyi further emphasised that these reforms will provide farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a faster path to global markets, thereby benefiting their families and communities.
“We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation,” he added.
He said in addition to economic measures, the NCS is intensifying its efforts to combat the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons through Nigeria’s land, sea, and airports.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of collective efforts and peaceful progress to strengthen the country’s borders.
He warned that the destruction of the supply chain affects foreign investment, distorts trade, promotes instability, increases scarcity, and hinders revenue collection.