NIGERIA – The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) in Lagos State has expressed deep concern over the relentless increase in flour prices, staging a protest to urge the government to ease the burden on bread production costs.
While addressing the media, Chief Ayoola Mathew, the association’s chairman, lamented that despite the Federal Government’s approval of a 150-day duty-free importation waiver on wheat, maize, and other key commodities, flour prices have continued to surge.
The waiver, which took effect on August 1, 2024, was intended to reduce food inflation and make essential food items more affordable for Nigerians.
However, Mathew pointed out that Nigerian millers have failed to implement the waiver’s benefits, leading to an ongoing increase in flour prices.
“In July, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the approval of a duty-free window to allow the importation of wheat, maize, and husked brown rice. This initiative aimed to alleviate rising food inflation and make food items more accessible to the masses. Unfortunately, the Nigerian millers have not reflected this relief in their pricing, continuing to inflate the cost of flour,” Mathew stated.
The AMBCN’s findings suggest that some millers have deliberately ignored the waiver, opting instead to continue raising flour prices.
This has placed significant strain on the baking industry, making it difficult for bakeries to operate smoothly, with many forced to shut down and lay off workers.
The association decried the actions of the millers, accusing them of disregarding the government’s efforts to reduce food costs and inflicting unnecessary hardship on Nigerians.
“The millers have advised us to increase further the price of bread, which would only add to the pain and hardship faced by the common man,” said Mathew.
He revealed that the approach is inhumane as it has made it nearly impossible for bakeries to function, with flour prices now at N67,000 (US$42.12) per bag, up from N8,000 (US$5) just ten years ago.
The AMBCN has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to address the escalating flour price crisis.
The association urged the government to investigate the activities of Nigerian millers and sugar producers, enforce price reductions, and ensure the surplus distribution of baking ingredients to alleviate hunger and reduce the financial strain on bakers.
“We propose a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 (US$19) and N35,000 (US$22) per bag and demand surplus distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers. We urge the Federal Government to take decisive actions to enforce the waivers and ensure that millers comply with the intended purpose of reducing the cost of flour and sugar,” Mathew pleaded.
The bakers warned that without immediate government intervention, the continued rise in production costs would lead to further bakery closures, exacerbating hunger and unemployment across the country.
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