The Nigeria Customs Service has issued new guidelines for the implementation of a zero duty rate on food items.

In light of President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the import duty waiver for food items, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled official guidelines for applying a Zero Percent Duty Rate (0%) and an exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain essential food products.

The initiative is designed to ease the financial strain on Nigerians by lowering the prices of necessary goods. This policy will be in effect from July 15, 2024, until December 31, 2024.

The NCS has provided clear guidelines detailing the eligibility requirements for businesses that want to take part in the zero-duty importation initiative. This initiative is designed to bolster local food security and make essential goods more accessible and affordable.

The guidelines outline the specific food items included in this policy, as well as the compliance requirements that importers are expected to follow.

The fundamental food products that qualify for the zero percent duty rate include the following:

S/N Item Description ECOWAS CET H.S. Code Previous Duty Rate + Levy New Duty Rate
I. Husked Brown Rice 1006.20.00.00 30% 0%

II. Grain Sorghum – Other 1007.90.00.00 5% 0%

III. Millet – Other 1008.29.00.00 5% 0%

IV. Maize – Other 1005.90.00.00 5% 0%

V. Wheat – Other 1001.19.00.00 20% 0%

VI. Beans 0713.31.90.00 20% 0%

The government of Niger State has initiated the distribution of grains to all 25 local government areas at a discounted rate of 50%.

Grains sales will occur at specified locations within each local government area, with more than 1,000 trucks carrying rice, maize, millet, sorghum, and beans set for distribution.