T he Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos State has raised concerns over the persistent increase in flour prices, despite recent government measures intended to reduce costs. During a protest in Lagos on Wednesday, the association's chairman, Chief Ayoola Mathew, expressed frustration with Nigerian millers who have allegedly ignored a government-approved duty-free importation waiver, leading to a surge in flour prices.
In July 2024, the Federal Government announced a 150-day duty-free importation window for wheat, maize, and husked brown rice, effective August 1. This initiative aimed to alleviate rising food inflation and make staple food items more affordable for the public. However, according to Mathew, millers have not passed on the benefits of this waiver to consumers, instead continuing to increase the price of flour.
Mathew stated that the price of flour has skyrocketed to N67,000 per bag, a dramatic increase from N8,000 just a decade ago. This price hike has placed significant pressure on bakeries, many of which have been forced to shut down, leading to layoffs and further exacerbating the already severe unemployment crisis in the country.
"It’s a way of robbing innocent Nigerians," Mathew remarked. "The millers did not consider our call for price reduction but rather advised us to inflate the price of bread, which is an inhumane action to take."
The association has called on the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to intervene urgently in the escalating flour price crisis. They urged the government to investigate the activities of Nigerian millers and sugar producers, enforce price reductions, and ensure the surplus distribution of commodities to bakers.
The bakers have proposed a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 and N35,000 per bag. They also demanded stricter monitoring and sanctions for any agencies, groups, or individuals who fail to comply with government directives.
The association warned that the continued shutdown of bakeries due to high production costs would worsen the hunger crisis and increase unemployment, emphasizing the need for immediate government action to enforce the waiver and reduce food prices.
"We urge the Federal Government to take decisive actions to ensure that the waivers on wheat importations are enforced and that the millers comply with the intended purpose of reducing the cost of flour and sugar. The Federal Government waiver should reflect the cost of food items bought," Mathew concluded.
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