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FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial - Politics - Nairaland

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FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Bobloco: 4:38am On Oct 27
One month shy of the closure of President Bola Tinubu’s promised duty-free window on food imports, Nigerians are left with nothing but empty promises.

On October 1, the President’s address confirmed the government’s duty-free policy for essential food imports. This measure, proposed to alleviate skyrocketing food prices, has become an utter disappointment. Nigeria’s inflation crisis—at an unsettling 32.7 per cent as of September 2024—has obliterated the purchasing power of the average Nigerian. And in the face of an impoverished, hungry populace, this government has been indifferent, tangled in bureaucracy and inaction.

This unfulfilled promise of a zero-duty policy, meant to stabilise food prices, has only deepened the despair of millions of Nigerians who struggle daily to afford basic foodstuffs.

Nigerians deserve a government that can act with resolve and compassion, not one stifled by bureaucratic logjams and leadership inertia. The President’s declaration of a 150-day duty-free food import window was a ray of hope for many. But the snail-paced, unclear directives from the Ministry of Finance, compounded by inter-agency disagreements and apparent role conflicts, have delayed any tangible action for months. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures relentlessly continue to squeeze the life out of the people. This is beyond economic mismanagement; it is a government’s dereliction of its duty to protect its citizens’ right to survival.



Since President Tinubu assumed office, Nigerians have borne the brunt of poorly executed economic policies. The latest inflation figures underscore a troubling trajectory: since the Tinubu administration took office in May 2023, inflation has jumped from 22.4 per cent to a record-breaking 34.19 per cent in June 2024, easing only slightly before rising once again to 32.7 per cent in September. The consequence of these unchecked inflation rates is painfully evident in daily market transactions, where food prices have become exorbitant, even for basic items.

This administration’s delay in implementing its own promised policies has compounded inflation’s impact. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the surge in food inflation, which rose to 37.8 per cent in September, has devastated Nigerians’ ability to access affordable food. This rise is driven by escalating energy prices, higher transportation costs, and severe flooding affecting key agrarian communities. Despite all this, the President’s proposed zero-duty policy remains mired in bureaucratic hurdles, leaving Nigerian families to fend for themselves in a crippled economy.

At the root of this failure lies the Nigerian government’s notorious bureaucratic inefficiency. This was evident in the two-month delay following the Ministry of Finance’s failure to issue timely directives to initiate the duty-free food import programme. Even after Customs finally received the letter from the Finance Ministry on August 8, implementation has been stymied by confusion and conflict among the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and other agencies. This crisis of inter-agency cooperation is emblematic of a government that is disconnected from the urgency of the people’s needs.

Stakeholders in the import and distribution value chain are left in limbo, unsure about when, or even if, the zero-duty policy will be implemented. The President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Lucky Amiwero, expressed his frustration at the government’s complete lack of responsiveness, remarking that “we don’t know what is going on” due to ambiguous policy communication. This government’s inability to implement its own promises has exacerbated the economic plight of its citizens, underscoring a tragic disconnect between governance and reality.

This government’s lack of effective intervention on food inflation is unconscionable, considering the severe hardship Nigerians are facing. Every day, more families fall below the poverty line, unable to afford staple foods that have doubled or even tripled in price. The impacts of this inaction are far-reaching. Hunger is not just a household issue; it reverberates through every sector, affecting productivity, educational outcomes, and health standards.

Many businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are on the verge of collapse, strangled by escalating operational costs, high exchange rates, and unrelenting inflation. Without adequate relief from import duties, which would lower the cost of food and other essential goods, the country’s economy is bound to suffer even further, trapping millions in a vicious cycle of poverty and hunger.


While the duty-free window may appear to be a positive short-term measure, analysts at Afrinvest Research argue that its effectiveness remains limited if not supported by a well-structured agricultural and infrastructural strategy. The nation’s inadequate agricultural production is exacerbated by poor infrastructure, frequent flooding, and persistently high costs of agricultural inputs. Without addressing these foundational issues, the zero-duty import policy is no more than a temporary fix — a stopgap that fails to address the underlying causes of food insecurity in Nigeria.

The current policy does not adequately tackle these root causes. Food imports alone cannot stabilise prices indefinitely. While the government’s intentions may have been noble, the decision to implement a short-term import waiver without a simultaneous overhaul of the agricultural sector demonstrates a lack of comprehensive economic planning. Moreover, currency depreciation has largely offset any positive impact that the duty-free policy could have had on reducing food prices. Since the policy’s announcement, the naira has depreciated by 5.5 per cent in the official market and by nearly 10 per cent in the parallel market, rendering the measure largely ineffective.

The government’s failure to implement the duty-free policy promptly has left Nigerians increasingly disillusioned. However, it is not too late for corrective action. Here are actionable recommendations that the Tinubu administration must consider to salvage what little remains of the policy’s potential impact:

The President must prioritise the immediate implementation of the duty-free window on essential food items. This should be accompanied by clear, direct communication from relevant ministries to all stakeholders in the import and distribution chains, ensuring that there are no further delays or misunderstandings.


Given the delays thus far, the government should extend the duty-free window beyond the initial 150 days. This extension would provide the public with meaningful relief, particularly as the holiday season approaches when food demand surges.

To prevent further bureaucratic delays, the government must establish a task force dedicated to coordinating efforts among the Finance Ministry, Customs, and FIRS. This task force should have clear accountability measures to ensure efficient communication and execution.

Also, the government should couple the duty-free window with a long-term plan to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This would involve substantial investments in infrastructure, irrigation, and flood management to mitigate the risk of crop loss due to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, policies must address the high cost and low quality of agricultural inputs, allowing for greater self-sufficiency.

The Central Bank of Nigeria must take steps to stabilise the naira, particularly in the parallel market, as currency depreciation continues to inflate import costs. A stable exchange rate policy is essential for any food import strategy to have a sustained impact.

The Tinubu administration must rise above bureaucratic inertia and demonstrate that it values the welfare of the people over petty inter-agency conflicts and endless procedural delays.

https://punchng.com/fg-implement-duty-free-food-imports-now/

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by helinues: 4:40am On Oct 27
Very good

The government are not just folding hands, they are doing something which we can all see but unfortunately some people deliberately decided not to see

9 Likes 4 Shares

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by odejimioflagos: 4:55am On Oct 27
The government should implement the duty-free window as soon as possible.

Nigerians need it urgently.

12 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by stonemasonn: 4:56am On Oct 27
Tax collector loves his taxes more than hungry Nigerians.

19 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by HgAkpobomeEr: 4:56am On Oct 27
The duty-free window will be implemented. Just a little more patience.

8 Likes 2 Shares

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Ennyjude(f): 5:09am On Oct 27
Good news
Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by MadPolitician: 6:05am On Oct 27
helinues:
Very good

The government are not just folding hands, they are doing something which we can all see but unfortunately some people deliberately decided not to see
Abi?

7 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Freshtruth(m): 6:19am On Oct 27
Ancelloti - Bro tell your Boys to calm down i deserve respect pls

Flick- oya sorry i go tell them make them no score again no vex

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Oakenshield: 6:20am On Oct 27
helinues:
Very good

The government are not just folding hands, they are doing something which we can all see but unfortunately some people deliberately decided not to see
no be still government deliberately no wan do am because he built lagos with useless lying policy and now it shows,he came to power with no clear plan.

12 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by helinues: 6:36am On Oct 27
Oakenshield:
no be still government deliberately no wan do am because he built lagos with useless lying policy and now it shows,he came to power with no clear plan.

What radarada is this one talking about?

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by tundegan: 6:54am On Oct 27
The government should extend the duty-free window beyond the initial 150 days. This extension would provide the public with meaningful relief, particularly as the holiday season approaches when food demand surges.

11 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by OneCandleAway(f): 6:55am On Oct 27
helinues:


What radarada is this one talking about?

Jobs available
Apply now!!!

11 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by LibertyRep: 7:07am On Oct 27
I do not think there's any bureaucratic logjam anywhere.
Was there any delay when he announced 'subsidy is gone ' and it took effect immediately ?

All I see is a deceptive govt that is also lacklustre and lethargic.

16 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by happney65: 7:09am On Oct 27
helinues:
Very good

The government are not just folding hands, they are doing something which we can all see but unfortunately some people deliberately decided not to see

Yes na. They are blind like you and cannot see. grin

Olofo!

14 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by SocialJustice: 7:11am On Oct 27
helinues:
Very good

The government are not just folding hands, they are doing something which we can all see but unfortunately some people deliberately decided not to see
Because of N30k or how much, you will wake up every morning to put yourself in a situation where people curse you from their hearts.

17 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by ivandragon: 7:22am On Oct 27
Bat was never prepared for governance. He simply wanted the bragging rights, cornering of resources and perks of being the president of Nigeria.

Same thing with buhari.

5 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Maxymilliano(m): 7:24am On Oct 27
The government is not just sincere

4 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Anither563: 7:29am On Oct 27
The government is working on it.

7 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by helinues: 7:34am On Oct 27
SocialJustice:
Because of N30k or how much, you will wake up every morning to put yourself in a situation where people curse you from their hearts.

If you are envying the N30k job oya come and take it

Psychologically, it's only those who are just there that have been putting unnecessary aggressions on those who knew nothing about their predicaments

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by mrvitalis(m): 7:36am On Oct 27
The idea that Imports is bad for an economy is very strongly believed by poor nations while data on ground support the opposite

What ever you are good at allowing imports won't stop it... If imports can destroy a local industry then you should even stop investing in such industry

Allow imports, focus on encouraging exports
Being able to export 3 things alone is enough to cover all our exports if done right

2 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by SocialJustice: 7:42am On Oct 27
helinues:


If you are envying the N30k job oya come and take it

Psychologically, it's only those who are just there that have been putting unnecessary aggressions on those who knew nothing about their predicaments
Nobody has envy for your below minimum wage pay that you use for pulling curses into your life everyday.

I'm just saying this so when karma eventually hits you big, you will remember someone tried to warn you.

6 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Hehehehehe: 8:09am On Oct 27
helinues:


If you are envying the N30k job oya come and take it

Psychologically, it's only those who are just there that have been putting unnecessary aggressions on those who knew nothing about their predicaments

u sold your constitutional right for money way no reach to fuel car half tank and u think u're doing us. u will continue to be useless to ur family till that Psychologically go kill u. Amen

5 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Shadomaan7: 8:17am On Oct 27
The duty free window is still ongoing, some people just like to be in a haste.

4 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by helinues: 8:22am On Oct 27
SocialJustice:
Nobody has envy for your below minimum wage pay that you use for pulling curses into your life everyday.

I'm just saying this so when karma eventually hits you big, you will remember someone tried to warn you.

Why then are you people keep on crying on N30k job, N30K is not even enough for a week refreshments alone.

You people should fix whatever you might be going through , it's nonsensical to be telling someone paying others monthly claiming to be earning N30K. It's an insult

Bills are no longer worries long time, projects are
Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by SocialJustice: 9:20am On Oct 27
helinues:


Why then are you people keep on crying on N30k job, N30K is not even enough for a week refreshments alone.

You people should fix whatever you might be going through , it's nonsensical to be telling someone paying others monthly claiming to be earning N30K. It's an insult

Bills are no longer worries long time, projects are
Tinubu came to beg me in Okpella last night. I told Okpella agbero union to make sure the plane did not land. 😂

1 Like

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Salewa97: 9:41am On Oct 27
The Punch is just too petty.

The government is working on it, why the unnecessary pressure?
Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by IniobongEno(f): 12:03pm On Oct 27
helinues:


Why then are you people keep on crying on N30k job, N30K is not even enough for a week refreshments alone.

You people should fix whatever you might be going through , it's nonsensical to be telling someone paying others monthly claiming to be earning N30K. It's an insult

Bills are no longer worries long time, projects are
Do you any job? What do you do for a living?

2 Likes

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by Cmanforall: 6:54am On Oct 28
Okay
Hope those at the ports will allow this
Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by malali: 6:54am On Oct 28
To effectively address Nigeria’s food inflation crisis, we need more than a short-term duty-free policy. Here’s a practical, step-by-step plan that combines immediate action with long-term goals, focusing on three critical areas:

1. Immediate Food Import Relief
• Set Up a Clear, Fast Process: Appoint a small team of experts from key agencies like Customs, the Ministry of Finance, and importers’ representatives to fast-track the duty-free policy. This team should ensure a streamlined process for clearing essential food imports with little to no bureaucracy.
• Extend the Duty-Free Period: Since the initial delays cost valuable time, the government should add at least another 90 days to the duty-free policy. This will ensure that food prices stabilize through the holiday season when demand is higher.
2. Boost Local Food Production
• Direct Funding for Farmers: Make funds and resources available to farmers and small agri-businesses immediately, prioritizing essential crop production. This support can be in the form of low-interest loans, seeds, and equipment through partnerships with banks and local governments.
• Upgrade Farming Infrastructure: To improve yields, the government should invest in basic infrastructure like irrigation systems, farm access roads, and better storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. Community-based pilot programs can be rolled out in key farming areas like the North Central region to test impact and improve operations quickly.
3. Manage Currency Stability and Food Pricing
• Strengthen the Naira: The Central Bank needs to focus on stabilizing the naira to prevent import costs from rising unpredictably. A dedicated task force should monitor and curb forex market abuses, especially in the parallel market.
• Cap Price Markups on Essential Food: While it’s temporary, a ceiling on excessive markups could protect consumers from price gouging on essential foods. This should be monitored by a joint committee including consumer rights advocates, market representatives, and local councils.

By acting immediately on these points while making a concerted effort to boost local food production, Nigeria can create a sustainable food economy. This balanced approach is essential to easing food prices now and ensuring Nigeria’s food security in the future.
Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by nairalanda1(m): 6:54am On Oct 28
cheesy

Some APC members want us to charge more taxes for matters that they consider very important matters....(me I don't think so... cheesy

I was shocked at the views of these APC members, but then again , nothing shocks us under t-pain

Kukutente23:

Don't you know that when a plane is ageing, it does not see road well to see foreign object and avoid em

The VP is a critical national asset. Nigeria may be poor but were too big for our VP to be going about in a rickety jet

We can't have 129m poor citizens and still have a poor VP

Therefore we must raise taxes to buy new planes for tinubu and shettima
SilasGreenback:


Abi ooooooh.

Lets buy it for him and continue to make sacrifices. We need to man up and stop crying about inflation, as unfortunately, things cost money, and we should stop wanting everything cheap.
nedu666:


We don't pay enough tax. We should pay market price so that govt officials will see money to buy new jets


As for me, what is this government doing about encouraging large scale commercial farming, improving rail transport, and improving security.....those are the things that we may say a raise in tax may help...and ulitmately guarantee food security.

Food imports is always a big eff u to the local farmer.

1 Like

Re: FG, Implement Duty-free Food Imports Now - Punch Editorial by RevenuesBoost(f): 6:56am On Oct 28
Nice Development To Reduce Cost of Imported Foods Which Will Simultaneously Bring Down The Price of Local Foods Too.

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