Stakeholders in the sorghum sector are finding it challenging to remain in business as low import tariff on cheap barley malt, malt extract, glucose and maltose syrups is pushing the industry to near collapse.
The operators in the sector are seeking government’s intervention to halt the slide by re-imposing a ban on barley malt imports, or at worst, raising the tariff which would help slow the wave of imports and prevent the local industry from total collapse.
The Federal Government said on Wednesday it had approved the reduction of import duties on 115 items in various sectors of the economy as part of its effort to promote development in critical sectors of the economy.
The tariff reductions were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of its fiscal policy measures of the Federal Government for the country.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun communicated the measures through a circular, which she said was in line with the provisions of the Economic Community of West African States Common External Tariff.
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on Wednesday, it had destroyed expired malt extracts and glucose belonging to Guinness Nigeria Plc.
The destruction took place at a dump site in Otta, Ogun State.
A NAFDAC staff, who was present at the site but prefers to remain anonymous said, “this is a case which has been concluded.
