Nigerian Bakers Declare Nationwide Strike in Protest Against Harsh Business Conditions

The Association of Master Bakers has announced a nationwide suspension of its services starting February 27. This decision, communicated by Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, the Kogi State Chairman, on behalf of National President Alhaji Mansur Umar, comes as a form of protest against the challenging business environment faced by bakers across the country.

The association specifically pointed to issues such as excessive taxation and the soaring costs of essential baking materials. Highlighting concerns over the “multifarious increase in the prices of baking materials,” including flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, and diesel, the union attributed these hikes to the recent fuel subsidy removal and forex deregulation.

Accusing various government agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Consumers Protection Council, and the Department of Weights and Measures, the association claimed that its members were burdened with numerous charges.

In a statement, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria demanded the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, along with a reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials. They called for measures similar to those recently implemented by the Federal Government on other commodities. Additionally, the association urged the provision of concessional forex exchange to flour millers and stakeholders, as well as a reduction in tariffs on imported wheat and sugar.

A significant plea was made for the prompt execution of financial assistance measures for bakers, especially those who have experienced a decline of more than 40% in their membership, as part of post-COVID-19 assistance initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises in the baking industry. The strike is anticipated to draw attention to the urgent need for policy adjustments to support the sustainability of the baking sector in Nigeria.