Bakers protest increase in flour price despite FG waiver

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos State has embarked on a protest following the recent increase in the price of flour.

The members of the association during the protest on Wednesday lamented the incessant increase in the price of flour despite the Federal Government’s waiver.

The chairman of the bakers’ association in Lagos, Chief Ayoola Mathew, said it is surprising that the recent approval of a duty-free importation waiver on wheat, maize, and other commodities hasn’t helped to stabilise the price of flour.

Mathew speaking to reporters also said he was worried over the failure of millers in the country to implement the FG’s waiver.

According to him, this has resulted in an increase in the price of flour, thereby, making it difficult for bakeries to operate smoothly.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mathew said the association carried out an inspection and discovered that some millers decided to ignore the waiver and instead continued to inflate the price of flour.

He stated that it is painful that such millers with their action have not only disregarded the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians but also a severe blow to the bakery 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,” Mathew lamented.

“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.”

According to Matthew, the price of a bag of flour had jumped to N67,000 from N8,000 a decade ago, making it very tough for bakeries to produce bread at an affordable price.