The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, has expressed optimism that temporarily suspending duties and taxes on imported food items will help reduce food prices in Nigeria. Speaking at a security heads’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Adeniyi emphasized that the Nigerian Customs Service is fully committed to implementing this policy as directed by the government.
Adeniyi explained that the decision to suspend duties and taxes stems from the need to address food inflation and hunger, particularly given the significant reliance on imported food in Nigeria. He noted, “The protest was premised on a number of things, one of them being to end hunger. We discovered that a significant amount of food consumed in Nigeria is imported. Importation takes some time. So one of the things the president has done to cushion the effect of the cost of importation is to suspend customs duties and taxes on imported food items for a period of time.”
He assured that this policy, aimed at reducing market prices, is a priority for the Nigerian Customs. Adeniyi acknowledged the necessity to balance the interests of local farmers and stakeholders with the short-term goal of alleviating food inflation. He said, “What does this kind of intervention imply for the local markets? Because we are trying to address the interests of all stakeholders. Those that are going to enjoy these duty waivers and concessions are also being cultivated by Nigerian farmers.”
Adeniyi urged the public to be patient as the guidelines for implementing this policy are finalized. He indicated that some imported items already in the country would soon be cleared without duties and taxes. “There is the issue of striking a balance between the long-term interests of Nigerian farmers, Nigerian stakeholders who are involved in the production of these items, and the short-term interests of food inflation,” he added.
In related news, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun addressed ongoing tensions in various states, following recent protests and unrest. He noted that while some areas have seen a reduction in violence since the president’s address, other states like Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Bauchi have experienced subversive campaigns involving calls for a military takeover and the display of foreign flags.
Egbetokun condemned these actions as treasonable felonies and warned against the acceptance of foreign flags from destabilizing agents. “This is not a protest, but an offence of treasonable felony. The Police have arrested a number of them and they will be dealt with accordingly,” he said. He urged youths to avoid participating in activities that could undermine national stability and assured that the situation is under control.
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