By Jariatu S Bangura
The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Members of Parliament have called on the government to remove the 5% tax levied on rice importation in the Finance Act of 2024 in order to reduce the suffering on the masses.
In 2023, the House approved the imposition of five percent tax on rice importation in the 2024 Finance Act, with an additional five percent proposed in the 2025 Financial Act.
The opposition MPs considered the decision as an additional burden on the already suffering masses.
According to the Acting Leader of the APC in Parliament, Hon. Daniel B. Koroma, the use of jargons in the Feed Salone project will not feed the nation, adding that the opposition should be seen as partners and not as enemies should the government wants the project to succeed.
“The Finance Act,2024 should be amended,” he said.
He urged all oversight committees to work unanimously for the Big 5 Game Changers of the government to succeed.
Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara said the President in his address called on Members of Parliament to help address the needs and aspirations of the people without any politicking.
He said food security is not just the availability of food in the market but also the earning power of the people to purchase it.
“Private sector involvement should be seen in the agricultural sector to address food security. Budgetary allocations and government funding will not make the sector successful. We should be seen as promoters of the potentials the country has to attract investors. Many investors like ADDAX,Net Oil in Yele and other palm oil have folded up, ” he stated.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Nyuma said their aspiration as a party, they know that there are challenges faced by citizens but that they should come together to address the needs of the people.
