The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has announced that the suspension of import duties on certain food items will conclude by November this year.
Kyari, speaking during an interview, emphasized that this temporary measure was introduced to curb the rising food inflation, but it will not continue beyond the next harvest season, anticipated around October or November.
“We’re expecting a bumper harvest,” Kyari stated, expressing confidence that the upcoming harvest will significantly reduce food prices across the country.
Kyari explained that the current importation of food items is due to the cyclical challenges associated with the lean farming season, which typically occurs between June and August.
During this period, low production and yield of certain crops have necessitated the importation of essential food items like rice, maize, and wheat to stabilize prices in the market.
“The season that we find ourselves now is a cyclical issue that you have in agriculture… That is why Mr. President has decided to import rice, maize, wheat, and other staple foods,” Kyari added, noting that these imports will continue only until the harvest season begins.
The Minister’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with its highest cost of living crisis in decades, with food inflation soaring over 40%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
The surge in staple food prices has sparked social unrest, leading to widespread protests under the banner of the EndBadGovernance or Hunger Protest.
The demonstrations, which have unfortunately led to loss of lives and destruction of property, prompted President Tinubu to address the nation, urging the youth to suspend the protests and allow for dialogue with the government.
