Nigerian Bakers to Commence Nationwide Strike on February 27th

Nigerian bakers, under the umbrella of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), have announced a nationwide strike starting on February 27th, 2024, in response to the increasing production costs and unfavorable business climate. The strike notice was issued by the Kogi State Chairman of AMBCN, Adeniyi Bamidele Gabriel, during a press conference on Tuesday. The decision to go on strike was made due to the "multifarious increase in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, and diesel." This increase is attributed to subsidy removal, forex deregulation, and multiple taxation by federal government agencies. The association also pointed out that the Federal Government has imposed multiple taxation burdens through agencies like NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, Consumer Protection Council, and Department of Weight and Measures. To ease their business operations, the AMBCN has made several demands, including:

1. Liberalization of flour and sugar importation.
2. Reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials.
3. Provision of concessionary foreign exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders.
4. Development of cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane in Nigeria.
5. Suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry for now at the federal, state, and local government levels.
6. Setting up a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The strike action is expected to have a significant impact on the availability of bread and other baked goods across the country. As a result, consumers are advised to plan accordingly and explore alternative options during this period. In conclusion, the Nigerian bakers' nationwide strike on February 27th is a response to the rising production costs and unfavorable business climate. The AMBCN hopes that their demands will be met, leading to a more conducive business environment for their members.