Bread Producers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Hike In Bakery Materials

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterer of Nigeria has given a notice to embark on a nationwide strike due to the the unexpected increase in bakery materials and the ignore of the Federal Government in the matter.

The association made this known in a communiqué issued by its National Executive Council following a meeting of the council held in Abuja.

The communique which was obtained by newsmen on Friday, threatened that bakers would withdraw their services across the country from July 13, 2022.

They stated that the cost of flour, sugar and other materials used in bakery business has skyrocketed beyond the reach of many bakers.

They also stated that efforts to get government’s intervention in the matter had been proved abortive, as there have not been a positive response from the concerned ministries, departments and agencies of government.

The National President, Mansur Umar, who signed the communique, stated that the council reviewed the “neglect of the Federal Government in addressing the challenges facing our sector as captured in our letters acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria and unproductive intervention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“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, NESREA have turned the bakers into money making machine 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.”

They, however, noted that its “members should await further directives.”

It was learnt that the hike in bakery materials was what led to the recent increase in the cost of bread and other items produced from flour.