Customs Introduces 150-Day Duty-Free Window for Staple Foods

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Headlines

Customs Introduces 150-Day Duty-Free Window for Staple Foods - The Federal government has implemented a 150-day tariff waiver on specific staple food items to combat rising food prices. This policy aims to make essential commodities more affordable for citizens. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has outlined guidelines for the implementation of this measure. Eligible food items include husked brown rice, grain sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, and beans. To benefit from the duty-free importation, companies must meet specific criteria, including incorporation in Nigeria, tax compliance, and operating a milling plant or agricultural business. The government will periodically release a list of approved importers and quotas. The policy also mandates that 75% of imported items be sold through recognized commodities exchanges. Strict monitoring and compliance measures are in place to prevent abuse of the policy. While the government aims to alleviate immediate food shortages, the policy is designed to be temporary, with a focus on supporting local production and processing in the long term.

Nigeria's Counter Subversion Bill Withdrawal: A Win for Democracy - In a significant move, the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has ordered the withdrawal of the controversial Counter Subversion Bill. The bill had proposed harsh punishments, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, for individuals and organizations accused of engaging in "subversive activities." The withdrawal comes after widespread public outcry and criticism from civil society groups, who expressed concerns that the bill's broad definitions could be used to stifle dissent and suppress legitimate political and social discourse. Acknowledging the voices of the people, Speaker Tajudeen reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the "People's House." The withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill is seen as a victory for democratic principles in Nigeria, demonstrating the power of an engaged citizenry to hold their elected representatives accountable and prevent the enactment of laws that could undermine fundamental freedoms.

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