Importers Association of Nigeria Alleges Continued Duty Collection on Food Items Despite Presidential Order
Abuja, Nigeria – The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has raised concerns that, despite President Bola Tinubu’s executive order suspending import duties and tariffs on food items, the Nigeria Customs Service continues to collect these fees. This situation contradicts the presidential directive intended to alleviate the country’s hunger crisis by reducing food costs.
Aminu Dan-Iya, Chairman of the Importers Association of Nigeria in the Northern region, disclosed this issue on Monday. He highlighted that despite President Tinubu’s clear directive, Customs officials at various entry points have not ceased collecting duties on imported food items.
“Customs officials tell our members at entry points that they don’t have any written communication about the suspension,” Mr. Dan-Iya stated. “Therefore, nothing has changed; we’re paying duties as usual.”
Mr. Dan-Iya expressed IMAN’s frustration and confusion over the delay in implementing such a critical presidential order, which was announced to the public some time ago.
“As a matter of fact, people are outraged, asking to know why prices of food and other commodities keep skyrocketing despite the removal of taxes. The truth is that something is fundamentally wrong somewhere because we cannot fathom why such a crucial presidential order is yet to be implemented,” Mr. Dan-Iya said.
In early July, President Tinubu announced the suspension of import duties on essential food items as part of his administration’s strategy to combat the hunger crisis and ease the financial burden on Nigerians. This executive order was expected to make food more affordable by eliminating additional costs associated with importation.
Following the President’s announcement, Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi assured the public through a video posted on social media that the Nigeria Customs Service would implement the executive order.
“Global inflation is impacting nations worldwide, including Nigeria. To address this, the federal government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, is suspending import duties and taxes on essential food items to make them more affordable,” Mr. Adeniyi said.
He further stated, “We’re committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation. We have streamlined export processes to ensure Nigerian goods reach international markets efficiently.”
However, the persistent collection of import duties by Customs officials has led to skepticism about the government’s commitment to the directive and its capacity to enforce compliance within its agencies. This inconsistency has frustrated importers and consumers alike, who continue to face rising food prices despite assurances from the government.
The Importers Association is calling on the Nigerian government to provide clarity and ensure that all relevant agencies adhere to the President’s order. By doing so, the country can take a significant step toward alleviating the economic strain on its citizens and addressing the ongoing hunger crisis.
The ongoing issue highlights the need for improved communication and coordination between government bodies to ensure policy implementation aligns with executive directives, ultimately fostering public trust and economic stability.