With 10% increase in Rice Tariff in 2025… APC MP Calls For Repeal of Section 3 of Finance Act
Hon. Daniel Koroma, Deputy Leader of the APC in Parliament, has kicked against the increasing tariff in imported rice, citing the risk factors associated with it and called on Government not to suffer the vulnerable citizens. “the increasing tariff in imported rice could cause more harm to the vulnerable citizens”, the MP raised his concern during a debate in Parliament, citing severe risks of malnutrition and starvation if such policy comes into effect. The MP also criticized the Government policy and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of it, noting the financial struggles faced by the majority of Sierra Leoneans, who often live on minimum wage and are already unable to afford basic food items like rice. “People cannot even afford a 50kg bag of rice,” he added, describing the proposed policy as potentially devastating to the population’s nutrition and health.
In his speech, Koroma warned that increased rice prices would likely reverse recent progress in reducing child mortality, stating, “All the gains we’ve made in tackling child mortality could be washed away by malnutrition.”
Koroma called on lawmakers to take swift action, urging an amendment or repeal of Section 3 of the Finance Act of 2024, which authorizes the tariff increases. “This section must be revised. We cannot allow this tariff increase to continue,” he stated.
He concluded by stressing the importance of prioritizing food security and implementing economic policies that support impoverished citizens.
“Our people are struggling to survive. This increase is not in the best interest of the nation,” Koroma emphasized, urging the government to reconsider its position on rice tariffs in light of the country’s precarious food security situation.
