Bakers Declare Nationwide Strike Over Soaring Production Costs

Bakers across Nigeria have declared a nationwide strike set to commence on February 27th, citing soaring production costs as the primary reason behind their decision. The strike, announced by the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by bakery owners due to the escalating costs of essential ingredients…..READ ALSO Davido’s Assistant Strikes Fan Trying To Snap Photo With Singer

Chief Adeniyi Bamidele Gabriel, the Kogi State chairman of AMBCN, disclosed the strike notice conveyed by the association’s national president, Alhaji Mansur Umar, and national secretary, Mr. Jude Okafor. Gabriel emphasized that the decision to strike was a result of bakery owners facing significant financial strain, leading some to close their shops.

The bakers attribute the rising production costs to several factors, including increases in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, and vegetable oil. They also point to the removal of fuel subsidies and forex deregulation, which have contributed to higher costs of petrol and diesel, further burdening their operations.

Additionally, the association accuses various government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels of imposing multiple taxation burdens on bakery businesses. They cite agencies like NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, the Consumer Protection Council, and the Department of Weight and Measures as contributors to the harsh business climate.

Among their demands, the bakers are calling for the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, reduction or elimination of import duties on major baking materials, and concessionary forex exchange for flour millers and stakeholders. They also advocate for the development of wheat and sugar cultivation and processing within Nigeria to reduce reliance on imports.

Furthermore, the bakers are urging the suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry at all government levels and the establishment of a price control and monitoring committee to enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

With the nationwide strike looming, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both the bakers and government authorities to avert a potential bread crisis.