Business
Nigeria Customs highlights conditions for companies to access zero-duty food import waiver
Nigeria Customs highlights conditions for companies to access zero-duty food import waiver
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday announced the conditions that companies must meet to qualify for the government’s new zero per cent duty and VAT exemption on select food imports.
According to a statement by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, companies wishing to import husked brown rice, grain sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, and beans at zero duty must be incorporated in Nigeria, operational for at least five years, and have a proven track record of filing annual returns, financial statements, and fulfilling tax obligations.
“To participate in the zero-duty importation of basic food items, a company must be incorporated in Nigeria and have been operational for at least five years. It must have filed annual returns and financial statements and paid taxes and statutory payroll obligations for the past five years.
“Companies importing husked brown rice, grain sorghum, or millet need to own a milling plant with a capacity of at least 100 tons per day, operated for at least four years and have enough farmland for cultivation. Those importing maize, wheat, or beans must be agricultural companies with sufficient farmland or feed mills/agro-processing companies with an out-grower network for cultivation,” it said.
The policy, which became effective on 15 July and will run till 31 December, aims to reduce the cost of essential foods and improve food security across the country.
The NCS said the zero-duty initiative is designed to alleviate the high costs of these staple foods, which previously faced import duties ranging from 5 per cent to 30 per cent.
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By eliminating these charges, the government aims to cushion the impact of inflation on household budgets, particularly for low-income families. However, the policy also includes measures to ensure compliance, requiring that at least 75 per cent of imported items be sold through recognised commodities exchanges and that all transactions and storage be documented.
It said the NCS, led by Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, has emphasised that while this temporary measure addresses immediate food security challenges, it does not undermine long-term strategies to support local farmers and manufacturers.
It said companies that fail to meet the outlined conditions risk losing their waivers and may be required to pay the applicable VAT, levies, and import duties. Also, any exported items in their original or processed form will be subject to these penalties.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will periodically provide the NCS with lists of approved importers and their quotas to facilitate compliance with the policy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, recently revealed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has decided to suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of essential food items such as beans, wheat, and husked brown rice.
The country’s food prices have been rising sharply in recent years, a situation that worsened in 2023 when the president removed petrol subsidies and allowed the naira to float.
This economic shift has led to a steep increase in the cost of staple foods, including rice, wheat, and bread, pushing many Nigerians further into poverty and heightening food insecurity amid high inflation.
The persistent surge in prices over the past year has led to the closure of several farms and businesses, with many agricultural producers scaling back their output due to insecurity and unpredictable weather conditions affecting rural areas.
In response, the president declared a state of emergency on food insecurity last year, aiming to combat rising food costs. Despite these efforts, food inflation has continued unabated.
Nigeria Customs highlights conditions for companies to access zero-duty food import waiver
Auto
Chanrai Storms Nigeria’s Gas Market, Unveils High-Capacity CNG, LNG Solutions to Power Energy Shift
Chanrai Storms Nigeria’s Gas Market, Unveils High-Capacity CNG, LNG Solutions to Power Energy Shift
By Rasheed Bisiriyu
Nigeria’s drive towards cleaner and more affordable transport fuel gathered fresh momentum on Friday as Chanrai Nigeria Limited formally entered the country’s gas distribution space, unveiling high-capacity CNG and LNG compression technologies in Lagos.
The company, a member of the globally diversified Kewalram Chanrai Group, announced a strategic partnership with India’s Tulip Compression to roll out advanced compressor packages and integrated “single window” CNG solutions aimed at accelerating the Federal Government’s Presidential CNG Initiative.
Chief Operating Officer of Chanrai Nigeria Limited, Anil Sahgal, described the Tulip CNG Compressor Packages as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
“With our commitment to safety, efficiency and OEM-grade partnership, we’re empowering the nation to achieve its CNG ambitions while driving economic growth and environmental sustainability,” Sahgal said.
The move marks Chanrai’s expansion beyond its traditional business interests — which span automobiles, agro-products, healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods — into the fast-growing gas infrastructure segment, as fleet operators and industrial users increasingly seek alternatives to petrol and diesel.
Under the partnership, Chanrai Nigeria and Tulip Compression will deliver Compression Station on Single Window (CssW) solutions — integrating compressors, dispensers, storage and stainless-steel tubing under one brand — to simplify deployment and reduce installation timelines.
The compressor packages come in a wide capacity range, from 250 to 4,500 standard cubic metres per hour, making them suitable for small refuelling stations as well as large gas hubs.
A 1,400 SCMH gas engine-driven booster compressor is designed to refuel heavy-duty CNG trucks in about 20 minutes by drawing gas from tube trailers.
The systems are available in both electric motor-driven and gas engine-driven configurations, eliminating the need for large gas generators while ensuring energy efficiency and lower life-cycle costs.
According to the company, the equipment features dual-chamber leak-proof safety systems, advanced sealing technology to eliminate gas loss and global certifications including ATEX, CE, BIS and SGS standards.
The unveiling underscores the growing private sector response to government reforms encouraging gas adoption as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative fuel.
With the compressor packages now available for immediate orders, Chanrai Nigeria said it would provide 24/7 after-sales support, operations and maintenance services, as well as remote asset monitoring solutions.
The development signals intensifying investment in CNG infrastructure as Nigeria seeks to deepen local gas utilisation, reduce fuel import dependence and cushion consumers from volatile petrol prices.
Entertainment
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
A team of leading Nigerian artistes and entertainment executives has paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, ahead of the 2026 Valentine Love Train experience.
The delegation included celebrated musician Sunny Neji, Managing Director of Ojez Entertainment Limited, Joseph Odobeatu, and veteran vocalist Yinka Davies.
The high-profile visit formed part of final preparations for the Valentine-themed train ride scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station.
Dr. Opeifa received the artistes and commended the creative industry for choosing the national rail system as the venue for the annual Valentine event. He noted that the partnership reflects growing public confidence in the corporation’s safety standards, operational improvements, and renewed focus on customer experience.
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“The 2026 edition aims to deliver an unforgettable experience while deepening public engagement with the rail service,” Opeifa said, reaffirming the NRC’s commitment to providing secure and efficient transport for passengers during special events.
Organisers disclosed that this year’s edition will feature an expanded entertainment lineup, including performances and appearances by Charles Inojie, Yinka Davies, Sunny Neji, and Segun Arinze. Guests are expected to enjoy live music, comedy, a couple’s game show, fashion showcases, and special performances throughout the Lagos–Ibadan–Lagos train ride, culminating in a Valentine banquet ball.
The Valentine Love Train has in recent years become a fixture on the NRC’s festive calendar, attracting couples, families, and leisure seekers with its blend of travel, romance, and entertainment. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts by the corporation to promote rail transportation as a viable and enjoyable alternative for intercity travel.
With final logistics being fine-tuned, organisers say the 2026 edition promises to combine safety, comfort, and premium entertainment for participants.
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
Auto
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
The 20th edition of the Lagos International Motor Fair and the 13th Africa Autoparts Expo is set to spotlight investment, technology transfer and industry collaboration as organisers intensify efforts to position Nigeria as a major automotive hub in West Africa.
The three-day event, which will also incorporate the Africa Motorcycle and Tricycle Expo, is scheduled to hold from March 17 to 19, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
Organisers said the upcoming edition would focus strongly on accelerating the development of the country’s automotive sector by creating platforms that connect global manufacturers with local industry players.
“Nigeria has all it takes to become a global automotive industry giant,” the organisers stated, noting that the fair remains a strategic contribution toward driving growth despite prevailing industry challenges.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said the exhibitions had over the years evolved into a key platform for attracting investment into automobile spare parts and accessories manufacturing while strengthening aftermarket activities across the region.
“We have consistently used these events to attract investment into auto components manufacturing and to showcase the enormous capacity and potential of this critical sector of the economy,” he said.
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Agwu, who also serves as Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, disclosed that the 2026 edition would place emphasis on business-to-business engagement between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and auto parts dealers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
According to him, the goal is to foster partnerships capable of leading to the establishment of component manufacturing plants locally.
He added that the exhibition is expected to support government policies aimed at building a sustainable automotive industry by stimulating the emergence of companies involved in component production.
Calling for policy adjustments, Agwu urged the Federal Government to prioritise spare parts and components manufacturing over vehicle assembly, arguing that deeper technology transfer and innovation occur within the components segment.
“Spare parts manufacturing is where real technology transfer occurs. It involves precision engineering, planning and innovation—far beyond the coupling processes involved in assembly,” he said, while also advocating a review of the existing automotive policy to better support local production.
Despite the challenges associated with hosting large-scale industry events, Agwu reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to sustaining the platform, warning that neglecting the automotive sector could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and employment.
The organisers said more than 100 original components manufacturers from countries including China, India, South Korea, South Africa, Singapore and Turkey, alongside major automobile distribution and manufacturing companies operating in Nigeria, are expected to participate.
In addition to product exhibitions, the event will feature seminars and technical workshops focusing on policy, investment opportunities, technology transfer and industry best practices, with each day structured to deliver value to exhibitors, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
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