Economic hardship: Nigerian Bakers ready to go on Strike

In response to the challenging business environment in Nigeria, the Association of Master Bakers has announced its decision to suspend services across the country starting February 27, 2024.

This move comes as a form of protest against the prevailing conditions affecting their operations.

The announcement was made public by Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, the Kogi State Chairman of the association, acting on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Mansur Umar.

Citing concerns over excessive taxation and rising costs of baking materials, the association expressed frustration over the economic hurdles faced by its members.

Issues such as the escalating prices of flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, and diesel, attributed to fuel subsidy removal and forex deregulation, were highlighted as contributing factors.

Moreover, the association accused various government agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Consumers Protection Council, and Department of Weights and Measures, of imposing burdensome charges on its members.

In a statement, the association emphasized the urgent need for action, calling for the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, reduction or elimination of import duties on key baking materials, and provision of concessionary forex exchange to stakeholders.

Additionally, they urged for a reduction in tariff on imported wheat and sugar.

Furthermore, the association appealed for financial assistance measures, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in the baking industry, as part of post-COVID-19 assistance initiatives.