The National Harmonised Traders Union of Nigeria (NHTUN) has expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s decision to grant tax holidays on the importation of food items such as maize, wheat, and rice.
According to report, while the union views the move as a temporary relief from hunger and high prices, it warns against potentially harming the nation’s agricultural sector.
In a statement signed on Wednesday, the union’s president, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, acknowledged that high commodity prices and a lack of money have left Nigerians desperate for relief. However, he emphasized that the government must ensure the measure does not foster long-term reliance on imports.
Dr. AbdulAziz also noted that despite the tax holidays, rice and wheat prices will likely remain high due to foreign exchange scarcity.
The union urged the government to support local farmers through irrigation farming and to provide necessary resources to enhance the prosperity of Nigerian agriculture.
The government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for essential food items, including maize, wheat, and rice, as part of its Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan.
