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Food Inflation Relief Or Economic Setback? Nigeria’s Waiver Policy Faces Backlash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is facing increasing scrutiny over the delay in implementing the food import waiver announced in July 2024. Critics are concerned about the potential negative effects of the waiver on local industries and employment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sources within the Presidency have disclosed that the private sector is leading the opposition, fearing that the importation of food without restrictions could harm domestic production, discourage investments, and worsen unemployment. While the policy was designed to address food inflation, its critics argue that it could backfire economically.
Private Sector Pushback
An insider from the Presidency, speaking anonymously, revealed to The Punch that the implementation of the food import waiver has been delayed due to strong pressure from local businesses. Groups such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have urged the government to prioritize boosting local production rather than resorting to food imports.
Small-scale industrialists have also voiced concerns. Segun Kuti-George, National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, expressed that the waiver is a “double-edged sword,” cautioning that the short-term relief may bring long-term challenges if not carefully managed.
Details of the Waiver
The waiver, announced by Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari in July 2024, involves suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes on imports of key food items such as maize, brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas for 150 days. The goal was to address food inflation driven by affordability and availability issues.
The policy also included plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize, to be distributed to small-scale processors and millers. However, the implementation has been delayed, leaving many Nigerians struggling with food shortages.
Stakeholder Reactions
Critics, including economists and business advocates, have slammed the government for its failure to implement the waiver, pointing to inefficiencies and policy inconsistencies. Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, criticized the ongoing blame games between government agencies as they justify the delay.
Economist Marcel Okeke warned that the import waiver could undermine local producers, suggesting that an influx of cheaper imports could force domestic businesses to shut down. Okeke also raised concerns about the potential for poor-quality imports flooding the market.
Government’s Response
In response to these concerns, Finance Minister Wale Edun assured stakeholders that the government is reviewing the policy to ensure it does not harm the capacity of domestic food producers.
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Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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