Emmanuel Ochayi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have strongly criticized the Federal Government over its delayed implementation of a zero-duty food import policy. They argue that the failure to act promptly has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s rising food inflation and the unaffordability of basic food items.
Mrs. Funmi Sessi, Lagos Council Chairperson of the NLC, expressed frustration over the delay, labelling it a systematic failure that exacerbates citizens’ suffering. “The zero-duty food import policy was announced months ago, but its implementation remains a mirage,” she said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPolicy Announcement Versus Implementation
The Federal Government introduced the food import policy in August 2024, promising zero percent import duty and Value-Added Tax exemptions on essential food items like rice, maize, wheat, and millet. This initiative was designed to curb rising food prices and reduce inflation. However, stakeholders note that no significant actions have been taken to execute the policy.
In a circular from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the policy was limited to investors with milling capacity and backward integration programs. Despite this framework, the lack of implementation has frustrated stakeholders, including private sector leaders and labor unions.
Rising Food Prices and Inflation
The delay in implementing the food import policy has coincided with skyrocketing food prices. A 50kg bag of rice, which cost N26,000 before the current administration, now sells for N100,000. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported food inflation rates exceeding 40% in Abuja and 19 states, with Sokoto recording the highest rate at 51.3%.
Dr. Femi Egbesola, National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, highlighted the direct link between the policy delay and inflation. “Food remains the highest driver of inflation. This policy could have provided relief, but the delay has worsened the situation,” he said.
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NLC and OPS Demand Immediate Action
The NLC and OPS have called on the Federal Government to take swift action to implement the food import policy. They emphasised the urgent need for measures to alleviate the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
“Nigerians are struggling to afford basic meals. The government must fulfill its promise to implement the zero-duty policy and make food affordable,” said Mrs. Sessi.
Dr. Egbesola added, “This policy is essential for reducing poverty and hunger. The government must act now to ensure the policy becomes a reality.”
Federal Agencies Respond
When questioned about the delays, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the agency had not received any approvals to implement the policy. “Our responsibility is to enforce government policies. If approvals are granted, we will act immediately,” he said.
Attempts to obtain clarifications from the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance proved futile. Officials cited limited availability due to the holiday season and declined to provide specific timelines for implementation.
Stakeholders Voice Broader Concerns
Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted the absence of any tangible market impact from the policy. “If the policy had been implemented, we would see lower prices for items like rice and millet. The government needs to explain why this policy has stalled,” he said.
Segun Kuti-George, Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, also criticised the government’s inaction. “Promises without execution deepen citizens’ despair. This policy could have eased the financial strain on many households,” he remarked.
A Path Forward for the Food Import Policy
As the year-end deadline for the policy’s implementation approaches, stakeholders remain hopeful that the government will act. They emphasise that swift execution of the food import policy is vital for tackling inflation and alleviating poverty.
“We need urgent measures to stabilise food prices and reduce inflation. The government must prioritise this policy and bring relief to the people,” urged Mrs. Sessi.
Without immediate action, experts warn that the economic toll of food inflation could deepen, with severe implications for health, nutrition, and overall well-being across Nigeria.
