Bakers Protest Flour Price Hike Despite Federal Government Waiver

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has expressed their frustration over the continuous increase in flour prices, despite a Federal Government waiver on import duties.

Chief Ayoola Mathew, the association’s chairman, addressed the media during the protest held on Wednesday, highlighting the impact of rising flour prices on the baking industry. He pointed out that the waiver, which allows for duty-free importation of wheat, maize, and other commodities for 150 days starting August 1, 2024, has not been implemented by local millers, leading to inflated flour prices.

“The Federal Government’s waiver aimed to alleviate food inflation and make basic commodities more affordable. However, millers have ignored this relief and continue to inflate prices, making it difficult for bakeries to operate,” Mathew stated.

The protest also underscored the broader implications for the industry and the public. Mathew noted that flour prices have skyrocketed from N8,000 per bag a decade ago to N67,000 currently, forcing many bakeries to shut down and lay off staff.

The association is calling for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to regulate flour prices and investigate the practices of millers and sugar producers. They propose a reduction in flour prices to a range of N30,000 to N35,000 per bag and demand better distribution and accessibility of baking commodities.

The bakers warned that without government action to enforce the waiver and control prices, the crisis could lead to increased hunger and unemployment in the country.