Hardship: Food Items That Qualify For Customs Zero Duty Charge

By Cami Ezenwa

Here is a table of food items that qualify for the Nigeria Customs zero duty charge as directed by the Federal Government.

The Eagle reports that the government had given a Presidential directives for zero duty charge on some essential food items in view of the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs in the market.

The aim is to enable Nigerians access food items which had become highly expensive in the country.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had announced approval for the Zero Duty charge after meetings by concerned agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ministry of the Economy and the Presidency.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, saw to the implementation of the policy as directed by President Bola Tinubu.

The Zero Percent Duty Rate (0%) and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption is applicable on selected basic food items. See Table below:

S/N Item Description ECOWAS CET H.S. Code Previous Duty Rate + Levy New Duty Rate

The Eagle also reports that this police came into effect from 15 July 2024 and would remain in force until 31, December 2024.

It is envisaged by the administration that the zero duty charge would help to mitigate the high cost of food items in the Nigerian market.

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It is also hoped it would make help to address food security challenges and ensure that basic foodstuffs are accessible to all Nigerians.

“However, it is important to emphasize that while this temporary measure is intended to address current hardships, it does not undermine the long-term strategies put in place to safeguard local Farmers and protect Manufacturers”, according to the guidelines set out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

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