APC chieftain backs Pres. Tinubu on tariff suspension for food imports

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend tariffs, duties, and taxes on the importation of food grains and other essential products.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Oyintiloye, a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), criticized those opposing the policy, suggesting that they either benefit from the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians or aim to incite unrest by undermining the President’s efforts.

“Nigerians are hopeful and eager for the dividends of democracy,” said Oyintiloye. He acknowledged that global economic issues and unavoidable policies introduced by the current administration have impacted the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. However, he noted that recent measures to revitalize the economy are starting to show positive results.

While Oyintiloye admitted that the tariff suspension is not a permanent solution to the food crisis, he emphasized that it would mitigate the immediate effects. “The President should be commended for this bold step,” he added, arguing that it demonstrates the administration’s responsiveness to the public’s outcry.

The Federal Government announced the suspension on July 8, allowing certain food items like maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas to be imported duty-free for 150 days. This move, according to Oyintiloye, is a necessary response to rising food inflation, which reached 40.66% in May.

“I want to commend the President for suspending tariffs on food imports,” Oyintiloye said. “While not a permanent fix, it will significantly alleviate the food crisis in the short term. The President should remain focused on improving the economy and ignore those who criticize without offering solutions.”

He further stressed the importance of modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, urging the government to adopt mechanized farming systems and support farmers with soft loans and subsidies. “Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigerian life,” Oyintiloye said, advocating for increased security and youth integration into the agricultural system.

With these interventions, Oyintiloye expressed confidence in the government’s projection that food prices would decrease significantly within the next 180 days, as stated by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

The APC chieftain’s comments come amidst ongoing debates about the best strategies to address Nigeria’s food security challenges.