FG deserves credit for subsidizing food imports – group

The Democratic Front (TDF) has praised the implementation of the duty-free window for essential food imports into the country, describing it as a commendable short-term measure to address the rising cost of food items.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group highlighted that the initiative reflects the extent to which President Bola Tinubu is willing to go to alleviate the effects of the global cost of living crisis on Nigeria.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the zero percent import duty and VAT exemptions on essential food items to ease hardship and hunger in Nigeria.

“This policy, effective from August 15, 2024, underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to mitigating the high cost of food in Nigerian markets, making essential commodities more affordable for citizens.

“We are particularly encouraged that, despite his aggressive pursuit of fundamental economic reforms and restructuring aimed at paving the way for sustainable and prosperous socioeconomic development, the President has continued to temper his economic policies with compassion and a commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.

“In this context, TDF views the federal government’s interventions and palliatives, including the concession to sell the country’s crude oil to local refineries in Naira, as a significant demonstration of sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. The President’s determination to end the suffering of the people is evident.

“We believe that the consistent display of responsive and responsible actions by the President in addressing governance challenges since May 29, 2023, makes it unnecessary for any individual or group to resort to civil disobedience or mass protests, as recently witnessed. President Tinubu, being a grassroots politician, does not need undue pressure to understand the concerns of the masses regarding pressing national issues.

“It is a testament to the various interventions and deft economic management by the Tinubu administration that, for the first time in 19 months, inflation dropped from 34.19% to 33.3% in July 2024.

“The administration also deserves credit for increasing the national minimum wage by over 100% and making history by providing Nigerian students with access to educational loans, as well as introducing a scheme to enhance consumer access to credit.

“There is also anticipation of cheaper petroleum products through the sale of crude oil to Dangote Refinery in local currency. These achievements represent a significant portion of President Tinubu’s accomplishments since taking office.

“We, therefore, call on Nigerians to welcome the remarkable approval of the zero percent import duty and VAT policy by the President as a selfless and strategic move to reduce food prices in the country.

“Similarly, we urge our people to desist from the unpatriotic practices of hoarding and profiteering, which often drive food prices beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

“We must remember that it is the President’s magnanimity and his commitment to the principle of putting the people first that has led the federal government to forgo N188 billion in revenue through the suspension of customs duties and VAT on imported food items.”

The TDF also called on the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to strictly adhere to the President’s directives on the implementation of the policy.