Nationwide protest: FG suspends import duties, taxes on food items to subdue hunger
By Seun Ibiyemi
In a bid to cushion the effect of the planned protest by Nigeria citizens, to fight against inflationary trend, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has suspended import duties and taxes on some items to make them more affordable for Nigerians.
Disclosing this Tuesday, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, said that the government is committed to addressing the situation in a seamless manner with a view to reducing hunger in the land.
He explained that global inflation is impacting countries worldwide, including Nigeria, adding that the agency has streamlined export processes to facilitate the efficient movement of Nigerian goods to international markets.
He said this initiative includes the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorised economic operators, and a time-release study designed to enhance trade, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities.
The Customs boss further explained that these reforms will provide farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a faster path to global markets, thereby benefiting their families and communities.
“We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation,” he added.
He said that in addition to economic measures, the NCS is intensifying its efforts to combat the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons through Nigeria’s land, sea, and airports.
He warned that the destruction of the supply chain affects foreign investment, distorts trade, promotes instability, increases scarcity, and hinders revenue collections.
He said, “In these challenging times, let us unite in resilience and cooperation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have embraced the path of peace and dialogue.’
He called for constructive engagement and cooperation from all Nigerians to overcome current challenges and build a brighter future.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu has questioned the rationale for a protest on August 1, insisting that he is already addressing most of the challenges confronting the nation, especially those concerning youths.
The President spoke through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who confirmed that the issue of the proposed protest came up for deliberations at the Federal Executive Council meeting.
According to Idris, the recent student loan policy of the federal government was targeted at the youth population, such that no Nigerian child who secures admission will drop out on account of fees.
His words: “The position of FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government and therefore it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again because most of those things that the protesters are putting forward have already actually been addressed or are being addressed by government.
“Like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government. The President has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest and the message is that there is no need for it.”
The Information Minister further noted: “The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them, the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need, but government did not stop there.
“There is also rice that is being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost, a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.
“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created, so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed, this is just to begin, I know that some of the comments you hear are that ‘it is never enough’.
“Government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are the necessary first steps that are being taken, and more such interventions are being made in the interim. Of course, this is, like I said, an interim measure because there is so much investment going into the agricultural sector.”
