Bakers threaten to withdraw services nationwide, embark on strike

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), has threatened to withdraw services nationwide, over the unprecedented increase in prices of bakery materials.

They also accused the Federal Government of turning a blind eye to the development.

This was part of the outcome of a meeting held on Friday, by the national executive council of the Union.

The association in a communiqué signed by its National President, Mansur Umar, said they would commence an initial two-week strike from July 13, 2022.

They said the cost of flour, sugar and other materials used in the bakery business had soared beyond the reach of many bakers.

The group also said 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

The body noted that the high cost of flour, sugar, and other materials used in bakery business has pushed many bakers to the brink.

The communique read in part: “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, as well as 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.”

The association, however, told its members to await further directives.

In March, bakers complained that the hike in diesel price and exchange rate volatility caused many of its members across the country to shut down their business operations.