Customs Releases Guidelines for 150-Day Import Waiver on Staple Foods

 In a significant move to address rising food prices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced new guidelines for a 150-day import waiver on selected staple foods. This initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aims to make essential commodities more affordable for Nigerians¹.

The waiver applies to several staple foods, including Husked brown rice, Grain sorghum, Millet, Maize,Wheat, Beans²

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized that this measure is part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle food security challenges and ensure that basic foodstuffs are accessible to all Nigerians².

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from this waiver, companies must meet specific criteria:

1. Incorporation and Operational History: Companies must be incorporated in Nigeria and have been operational for at least five years.
2. Financial Compliance: They must have filed annual returns, financial statements, and paid taxes and statutory payroll obligations for the past five years.
3. Agricultural Capacity: Companies importing husked brown rice, grain sorghum, or millet need to own a milling plant with a capacity of at least 100 tons per day and have sufficient farmland for cultivation. Those importing maize, wheat, or beans must be agricultural companies with sufficient farmland or feed mills/agro-processing companies with an out-grower network for cultivation².

Implementation and Monitoring

The Federal Ministry of Finance will periodically provide the NCS with a list of importers and their approved quotas to facilitate the importation of these basic food items. At least 75% of imported items must be sold through recognized commodities exchanges, with all transactions and storage recorded².

Impact on Local Farmers and Manufacturers

While this temporary measure aims to alleviate current hardships, it does not undermine long-term strategies to safeguard local farmers and protect manufacturers. The government is committed to balancing immediate relief with sustainable agricultural development².

¹: MSN ²: Daily Post Nigeria