By Steve Agbota
To alleviate the rising costs of essential commodities and ensure food security across the nation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released a comprehensive set of guidelines for the implementation of zero import duties on food items. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the federal government to combat inflation, reduce the cost of living, and strengthen the agricultural sector by creating a more accessible food supply chain.
Under these new guidelines, food importers will benefit from a waiver on import duties for essential food products, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and other staple goods. The goal is to not only ease the financial burden on consumers but also stabilize market prices and boost availability across all regions of the country.
The Customs Service detailed the procedural requirements for importers to take advantage of this policy, emphasizing transparency and compliance. Importers are urged to strictly adhere to the documentation process to avoid delays in clearance. The guidelines also outline the categories of food items eligible for the zero-duty policy, as well as the criteria that importers must meet to qualify for the exemption. In announcing the policy, the Comptroller-General of Customs highlighted the significance of this development in mitigating the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. He stressed that the Customs Service would work closely with other government agencies to ensure seamless implementation and prevent abuse of the policy, particularly in relation to the smuggling of prohibited goods under the guise of food imports.
This zero-duty initiative is expected to complement other government efforts aimed at stimulating local production and reducing dependency on imported food. It forms a crucial component of Nigeria’s long-term vision for a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.