By Aminu Garko
Kano, The National Harmonized Traders Union of Nigeria has reacted to the Federal Government’s decision to grant a tax holiday on essential food imports, expressing both relief and concern.
While the union acknowledges the temporary measure’s potential to alleviate hunger and high prices, it warns that forex issues may limit the impact on prices and potentially harm local farmers.
Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, the union president, advocates for prioritizing support for local farmers through timely provision of farming implements and inputs, highlighting the potential of imported paddy rice to create jobs and lower prices.
He commends President Tinubu’s concern for citizens’ wellbeing but urges a balanced approach to ensure food security and economic stability.
Federal Government had announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja on Monday.
Kyari disclosed that the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.
He added that the move is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, which is aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in the country.
The Chairman of Traders, although commended President Tinubu for his unflinching concerned for the wellbeing of the Nigerian Citizens, but he insisted that government should in the context of the duty Free import window, tried not to harm the Nation Farming Community.
He said that Farmers in Nigeria are also trying their very best but the problems is that farming implements are not coming to them as at well needed, “you can see that the Rainy season is on but yet nobody has given Farmers anything as tools they needs to carried out their activities.
