Wale Edun, customs meet over implementation of zero duty on food imports

By Abubakar Yunusa

Wale Edun, minister of finance, says a meeting was held with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) board on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of the zero percent duty on selected food imports.
In a statement on X by the ministry of finance on Wednesday, Edun said the tax waiver will tackle the ongoing food shortage and curb rising food prices.
“We discussed how to collaborate effectively to make food more affordable and accessible in the short term,” Edun said.
“This zero-duty measure is a temporary solution, but the administration is focused on long-term strategies to boost domestic food production.”
The meeting follows the federal government’s announcement on July 10 to suspend taxes on the importation of food through land and sea borders to help reduce inflation.
The duty waiver, meant to take effect from July 15 to December 31, is limited to maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.
However, customs has not commenced implementation.
On September 5, customs said the duty-free food importation policy has not been implemented because NCS is still waiting to receive the list of beneficiaries from the ministry of finance.
Speaking at the meeting, Edun said the government is making efforts to provide essential farming inputs such as fertiliser and seeds, particularly for small-scale farmers.
According to Edun, the farming inputs would enhance local food production and ensure food security in the long run.
The minister commended the customs board for its regular meetings to review NCS’ financial performance and operational activities.
Also, Edun said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to tackling both short-term and long-term food security challenges while working closely with customs and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of key policies.