By Pascal Ibe
An online newspaper, Paralleled Facts has published a story with caption that the “Nigeria Customs Service Rejects Tinubu’s Directives On Duty-Free Food Importation.
The report published on August 14 by Paralleled Facts had its caption like this, “Economic Hardship: Customs Rejects Tinubu’s Directive, Says Suspension of Tax on Imported Food Will Cost FG N188 Billion“.
This story which was shared on X platform, attracted more than 23k views as users lambasted Customs.
X users who commented on the post by Paralleled Facts, criticized the NCS for rejecting the policy that seems favourable to Nigerians.
See some comments below 👇
On July 10, the federal government officially announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of food commodities.
Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, announced the development in a post on social media, detailing the federal government’s measures to address the high food prices currently affecting the nation.
Part of the measures, according to the statement, is a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, which involves the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of food commodities — maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas — through land and sea borders.
The minister said the measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.
How True Is This Caption ?
When checked, a similar by the Leadership newspaper on Wednesday stated that the government has decided to forfeit the expected revenue from the implementation of the items to guarantee food security and price control for Nigerians.
The Leadership quoted the Customs CG saying the government initiatives and efforts of the customs service at the Nigeria Customs Service underscore that food security is not just an agricultural issue, but a national priority that requires coordinated efforts across all sectors. “The NCS is committed to playing its crucial role in this endeavour.”
The story by leadership reads in part, “The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has said the recent policy statement on removal of import duties on staple foods by President Bola Tinubu will cost the government up to N188.37 billion in revenue for the six months of implementation of the presidential directive.
Also Wednesday, FactWatch saw a report by TheCable which confirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun the implementation of the zero percent import duty and exemption of value-added tax (VAT) on basic food items.
Channels TV reported on Wednesday that Customs has released guidelines for Zero Duty on food items.
Customs spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement said the presidential approval was communicated through the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun.
This policy is effective from 15th July 2024 and will remain in force until 31st December 2024, Maiwada added.
See other report that supported this Here.
Verdict
The caption by an online newspaper that “Customs Reject Tinubu’s Directives On Duty-Free Food Importation“ is MISLEADING.
The NCS has issued guidelines for zero duty in fod items.
