By Milcah Tanimu

Master bakers across Nigeria are gearing up for a nationwide strike set to commence on February 27, as announced by the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCON). This decision stems from the government’s failure to uphold agreements forged with the association in 2020.

AMBCON is pressing for the immediate execution of pledged financial assistance for bakers under post-COVID-19 relief initiatives, particularly for those facing substantial losses exceeding 40% of their membership. Additionally, they demand a cessation of all taxation within the bakery sector at federal, state, and local government levels.

Alhaji Mansur Umar, the National President of AMBCON, voiced these grievances through a statement relayed by Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, the Kogi State Chairman of the association. The statement underscored the soaring costs of vital baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, yeast, and oils, attributed to subsidy removal and forex deregulation.

AMBCON’s demands include the liberalization of flour and sugar imports, reduction or removal of import duties on essential baking materials, provision of favorable forex exchange rates, and tariff cuts on imported wheat and sugar. They advocate for domestic cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane to lessen dependence on imports and eliminate multiple layers of taxation.

Moreover, the association calls for the establishment of a price control and monitoring committee and other measures to enhance the business climate in Nigeria. AMBCON stresses the importance of creating a conducive environment for business operations throughout the country.