Months after the announcement of a zero-import tariff waiver meant to ease food prices, the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has yet to fully implement the measure, leaving Nigerians burdened by high food costs. The waiver, targeting key staples such as husked brown rice, sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, and beans, was supposed to be in effect from July 15 to December 31, 2024. However, the anticipated relief has yet to reach the market.

Originally announced by Finance Minister Wale Edun in June 2024, the waiver aimed to combat the escalating cost of food. While the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) confirmed its rollout in August, promising a 0% duty rate and VAT exemption on these items, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Despite these promises, Nigerians continue to face sky-high food prices, with no noticeable change since the waiver’s introduction.

A recent market survey shows that essential food items like rice and beans remain prohibitively expensive. A 50kg bag of rice now costs between N87,000 and N106,000, while beans are priced between N65,000 and N100,000. The delay in implementing the waiver has thwarted hopes of reduced prices, compounding the already difficult living conditions for many.

ALSO READ: Ekiti State Partners with UN to Transform Urban Development and Housing

Muda Yusuf, Executive Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, criticized the government’s sluggish approach, highlighting that the gap between announcing policies and issuing practical guidelines has undercut the policy’s potential impact. Likewise, Olufemi Kayode from the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) suggested that internal challenges within Customs, such as unclear guidelines or potential sabotage, could be to blame.

In defense, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada dismissed any allegations of sabotage, insisting that Customs had communicated the necessary procedures for accessing the waiver. He reassured the public that the agency is committed to policies aimed at mitigating Nigeria’s economic difficulties.