Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday released plans on how to overcome the high cost of food prices in Nigeria within the next 6 months.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari. According to the Minister, a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities would be implemented by the Federal Government.
Kyari made this disclosure while speaking at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday. He said, “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders).
“These commodities include Maize, Husked Brown Rice, Wheat and Cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). (I am aware that some good citizens might be concerned about the quality of the would-be imported food commodities as it relates to the trending worries around the genetic composition of food.)
“I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.
“In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of Wheat and 250,000MT of Maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”
The Minister also listed other measures to be implemented by the government to include:
“Engage relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP). And to mop up surplus assorted food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.
“Continuous ramp-up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle. Sustained support to smallholder farmers in the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives. Strengthen and accelerate Dry Season Farming across the country.
“Embark on aggressive agricultural mechanization and development to reduce drudgery. Drive down the cost of production and boost productivity. Collaborate with Sub-National to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation. Work closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.
“Development of a strategic engagement for youth and women across the Federation for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops. Such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages.
“Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme. While encouraging other Para-Military establishments to put secured available arable lands to cultivation.”
The Minister stated that the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 9th July 2024. This is with a view to developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development. And to ensure alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
He said the Government also plans to enhance Nutrition Security through the promotion of production of fortified food commodities. And will also offer necessary support to scale up the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Minister noted that over the next 14 days, the Nigerian Government in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), will convene with the respective Agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks.
He said, “We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”
“The PFSCU will manage a dashboard for the President. Providing him with direct visibility into these interventions and ensuring accountability,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Ganduje expressed confidence in the Nigerian Governors. He said: “So, we are so happy about it, and we have confidence in them.
“We will do all it takes to ensure that we maintain good relationship with our governors all over the country. And we will help to protect their interests. There is no doubt that they’re also assisting the party, they are making the party to be proud as an institution.”
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