Nigerian bread makers and caterers are set to embark on a two-week strike starting from July 13, 2022, due to a hike in the prices of baking materials.
The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) made this known via a communique issued, which was signed by the association’s executives, led by Mansur Umar, its national president, after a meeting of its national executive council in Abuja.
According to the statement, the group will embark on the strike if the federal government does not give the necessary attention to their demands.
The statement read:
“Increase in prices of bakery materials, especially flour and sugar having reached unprecedented levels. For example, flour is now between N25,000 and N27,500, so also other ingredients.
“The National Wheat Cultivation Committee already constituted is yet to be inaugurated after over one year. NAFDAC, SON, and NESREA have turned the bakers into money-making machines by charging our members’ outrageous levies even at this very challenging moment.
“Consequently, the NEC in session resolved that all zones, state, Local Governments and units of our association should commence full mobilisation of our members nationwide to embark on withdrawal of services starting from Wednesday, July 13, 2022, for an initial period of two weeks.”
It added that the cost of flour, sugar and other materials used in the bakery business had soared beyond the reach of many bakers.
The group lamented that efforts to get the government’s intervention in the matter had been unsuccessful, as there had been no positive response from the concerned ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government.
It had earlier been reported in March 2022 that the prices of bread was expected to increase by 50% or more across different sizes in April due to some pressing challenges facing the bakers.
