The Nigeria Customs Service stated that despite approving duty-free importation for major food items, including rice, to mitigate the impact of rising food prices, Tinubu’s order did not cover grain importation through land borders.”
While addressing journalists, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said nothing has changed in the importation of rice, saying the policy only allows duty-free on rice paddies.
“Nothing has changed in the importation of rice. Nothing in this physical measure says rice would be brought in through the border. Nothing has changed in the importation of rice.
“Apart from the fact that brown rice or rice paddies would be allowed duty-free, that is the only amendment to physical policy. So, the extent of rice policy remains the same.
Adeniyi further stated that “Importation through the land border is still restricted, and of course, it is already removed from items that could access forex.”
However, according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, who serves as Tinubu spokesman, while quoting Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari, said, Tinubu approved a “150-day duty-free import window for food commodities,” including “maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas.”
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