Bakers Protest Hike In Flour Price Despite FG Waiver

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos State has lamented the incessant increase in flour prices in the country.

The association made this known during a protest held in the state on Wednesday.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, the association’s chairman, Chief Ayoola Mathew, said despite the recent approval of a duty-free importation waiver on wheat, maize, and other commodities, flour prices kept rising.

Ayoola also expressed concern over Nigerian millers’ failure to implement the waiver. This, he said, had led to a surge in flour prices, making it difficult for bakeries to operate smoothly.

He said, “In July, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the approval of a 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of wheat, maize, and husked brown rice as part of measures to alleviate rising food inflation across the country, effective August 1, 2024. The purpose of the Federal Government’s notable action was to help bring down the prices of food items in the market, making some food items more accessible and affordable for the masses.

“As Nigerians and members of the Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, We sincerely commend the Federal Government upon this approval as part of measures to combat rising food inflation in Nigeria. However, it’s unfortunate to note that the Nigerian millers have yet to implement this relief on price of their commodities.”

He added that the association’s findings revealed that some millers chose to ignore the waiver and instead continued to inflate the price of flour daily.

The body stressed that such an action had not only disregarded the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians but also a severe blow to their industry.

“It’s a way of robbing the innocent Nigerians. The millers did not consider our call for price reduction but rather advised us to inflate the price of bread more to inflict pain and hardship on the common man, which is an inhumane action to take.

“This constant increase in the price of flour by millers has made it impossible for bakeries to operate and function smoothly which has also led to the shutdown of many bakeries and their staff being laid off. Lives are at stake when basic needs are scarce. Nigerians complain daily due to a lack of basic needs for survival and bread is one of them. The flour millers are mounting pressure on human beings unnecessarily.”

Matthew stated that the price of flour had increased to N67,000 per bag, up from N8,000 10 years ago, making it challenging for bakeries to produce bread at an affordable price.

The association however appealed to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment for an urgent intervention in the escalating flour price crisis.

It also urged the government to investigate the activities of Nigerian millers and sugar producers, assess their operations, and enforce price reductions to cushion the effect of hunger on Nigerians.

While demanding a reduction in the prices of sugar, flour, and other baking ingredients, the body also sought surplus distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers.

According to Mathew, the association proposed a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 and N35,000 per bag and called for proper monitoring and sanctions on non-compliant agencies, groups, or individuals.

The bakers warned that the shutdown of bakeries due to high production costs would exacerbate hunger and unemployment, emphasising the need for urgent government intervention to enforce the waiver and reduce food prices.

“We propose a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 and N35,000 per bag. We also demand a surplus in the distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers. We urge the Federal Government to take decisive actions to ensure that the waivers on wheat importations are enforced and that the millers comply with the intended purpose of reducing the cost of flour and sugar. The Federal Government waiver should reflect the cost of food items bought,” he concluded.