The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has confirmed that the Federal Government has suspended duties and taxes on imported essential food items.
Details of the affected “essential food items” have however not been obtained by The Nigerian Economy as at the time of filing in this report.
Adeniyi in a public address on Monday night, also disclosed that the NCS had streamlined export processes to facilitate the efficient movement of Nigerian goods to international markets.
He said this initiative included the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorised economic operators, and a time- release study (TRS) designed to enhance trade, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities for Nigerians in international trade.
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi
The Customs boss expressed his strong convictions that these reforms would provide farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a faster path to global markets, thereby benefiting their families and communities.
He said: “We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation,” he added.
He explained that the import duties and taxes removed on essential food items would make basic necessities more affordable for Nigerians and address the current problem of hunger faced by 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.
According to the Customs CG, in addition to the economic policies and measures being adopted by the government and to be implemented by the trade facilitating agency, the NCS is also intensifying efforts at combating the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons through Nigeria’s land borders, seaports and airports.
He however called on every Nigerian to make 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 and increases scarcity of essential goods.
