The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to address the rising cost of flour, which continues to climb despite the recent approval of duty-free importation waivers for wheat and other grains.
Speaking at a press conference in Agege, Lagos, on Wednesday, AMBCN Lagos State Chairman, Ayoola Mathew, expressed the bakers’ frustration over the escalating prices.
He noted that even with the government’s 150-day duty-free window, effective from August 1st, flour prices have yet to stabilize, putting immense pressure on the baking industry.
The conference, themed “Call For The Federal Government’s Urgent Intervention On The Incessant Increase of Flour Prices Despite Recent Approval of Duty-Free Importation Waiver on Wheat, Maize, Others,” highlighted the severe impact of these price hikes on the industry.
According to Mathew, many bakeries have been forced to shut down, leading to significant job losses.
While Mathew acknowledged the government’s efforts to curb food inflation, he criticized Nigerian millers for failing to pass on the benefits of the waivers to consumers.
He accused millers of exploiting the situation, continuing to raise flour prices, and ignoring pleas from bakers for price reductions.
“Our findings reveal that some millers have chosen to disregard the waiver and continue to inflate flour prices daily. This action not only undermines the federal government’s efforts but also severely damages our industry,” Mathew stated.
He called for a thorough investigation into the activities of Nigerian millers and sugar producers and urged the government to enforce price reductions and ensure compliance with the duty-free waiver policy.
Mathew also advocated for better monitoring and sanctions for non-compliance, as well as improved distribution and accessibility of essential baking ingredients.
“We urge the government to control flour prices, which currently range between N30,000 to N35,000 per bag, and ensure that the waiver benefits reach consumers,” he concluded.
