Fed Govt Launches 180-Day Plan to Lower Food Prices with Duty-Free Imports and Strategic Agriculture Initiatives. Minister Abubakar Kyari outlines measures to stabilize food costs and boost production nationwide.
In response to the escalating food prices across Nigeria, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, led by Senator Abubakar Kyari, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to stabilize the cost of essential food items within the next 180 days.
Announcing the initiative via his official channels, Senator Kyari outlined key measures to alleviate the burden on consumers. A significant component of the plan includes a 150-day duty-free import window for critical commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. This move seeks to ensure a steady influx of these staple foods without additional financial burdens like duties, tariffs, or taxes.
"The current high food prices have posed a significant challenge to our nation," Senator Kyari remarked during the announcement. "Our strategy focuses on immediate relief through duty suspension on essential food imports, coupled with rigorous quality control to uphold safety standards."
Furthermore, the government plans to import 250,000 metric tons each of wheat and maize. These semi-processed commodities will be distributed strategically to small-scale processors and millers nationwide to stabilize market prices and bolster local food production capacities.
In addition to import facilitation, the Ministry is collaborating closely with state governments and agricultural stakeholders to optimize land use and irrigation facilities. The initiative also includes incentives for youth and women in greenhouse farming of horticultural crops like tomatoes and peppers, aimed at enhancing local production volumes and reducing dependency on imports.
"The success of these measures hinges on collaborative efforts across all sectors," Senator Kyari emphasized. "As we navigate this critical phase, our goal remains steadfast: to achieve food security and ensure no Nigerian goes hungry."
The announcement comes amidst rising inflationary pressures and economic uncertainties, highlighting the government's proactive stance in addressing immediate food security challenges while laying foundations for sustainable agricultural development.
