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Nationwide Hunger: Customs suspend import duties, taxes on essential food items

“Global inflation is impacting nations worldwide, including Nigeria,” said the customs boss.

• July 30, 2024
CUSTOMS WITH SEIZED BAGS OF RICE
CUSTOMS WITH SEIZED BAGS OF RICE[Credit: Daily Trust]

To address the country’s widespread hunger, the Nigeria Customs Service has expressed its readiness to implement the federal government’s suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items.

Its comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this in a video shared on the NCS official X handle on Monday, just days before the August 1 #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest commences.

Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Mr Adeniyi said the suspension would make food items affordable for Nigerians.

He said, “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.

“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.

The customs chief warned that disruptions in the supply chain will affect foreign investments, distort trades, promote instability, increase scarcity and hinder revenue collection.

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