Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Lagos Chapter, has called for government intervention in the ongoing dispute over flour prices despite recent duty-free import waivers on wheat and maize.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a press conference held on Thursday, the AMBCN leadership accused the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) of disregarding the government’s efforts to alleviate food inflation. They claim that millers continue to increase flour prices, making it difficult for bakeries to operate.
Matthew Ayoola, Chairman of AMBCN Lagos, stated, “The federal government’s 150-day duty-free window for wheat, maise, and husked brown rice imports was intended to combat rising food costs. However, we’ve seen no reduction in flour prices from the millers.”
The bakers’ association alleges that some millers are selling wheat to neighbouring countries or ignoring the waiver, leading to daily price increases. They report that flour prices have surged from 8,000 naira to 67,000 naira per bag over the past decade.
General Secretary Abraham Alabi emphasised the broader economic impact: “Master bakers are the second-largest employers of labour in Nigeria. The shutdown of bakeries due to unsustainable costs could have severe social consequences.”
The AMBCN is calling for:
1. A government probe into the activities of flour millers and sugar producers
2. Enforcement of the import duty waiver from importation to consumer level
3. A reduction in flour prices to between 30,000 and 40,000 naira per bag
4. Increased distribution and accessibility of baking commodities
The association warns that without intervention, many bakeries may be forced to close, potentially leading to job losses and reduced bread availability for consumers.
The FMAN has not yet responded to these allegations. The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment is being urged to mediate the dispute to ensure stable bread prices and protect
