The Importers Association of Nigeria has raised the alarm that despite President Bola Tinubu’s executive order suspending import duties and tariffs on food items, Nigerian Customs still collect import duties on imported food items.

Chairman of IMAN in Nigeria’s Northern region, Aminu Dan-Iya, disclosed this on Monday, stating that nothing has changed despite Mr Tinubu’s order.

“Customs officials tell our members at entry points that they don’t have any written communication about the suspension, said Mr Dan-Iya.”Therefore, nothing has changed; we’re paying duties as usual.” 

Mr Dan-Iya said IMAN cannot understand why such a crucial presidential order had yet to be implemented, though it has been officially announced long ago.

“As a matter of fact, people are outraged, asking to know why prices of food and other commodities keep skyrocketing despite removal of taxes. The truth is that something is fundamentally wrong somewhere because we cannot fathom why such a crucial presidential order is yet to be implemented,” Mr Dan-Iya said.

Earlier in July, Mr Tinubu announced suspension of import duties on essential food items as one of the strategies to stem the hunger crisis in the country. 

Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a video posted on X some days after Mr Tinubu gave the order, said Nigerian Customs will implement the executive order.

“Global inflation is impacting nations worldwide, including Nigeria. 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,” Mr Adeniyi said.

He added, “We’re committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation. We have streamlined export processes to ensure Nigerian goods reach international markets efficiently.”