Association of Master Bakers and Caterers (AMBCN) said on Tuesday that it will commence a nationwide strike action from 27th February 2024, over skyrocketed price of baking materials and Forex rate that has drastically affected business.
In an announcement by its Chairman, Mr Adeniyi Gabriel, the Association, told reporters at a press conference in Lokoja, Kogi State, that prices of key baking materials have gone unbearably high. Stifling the smooth running of business.
“Due to significant increases in prices of key baking materials like flour, sugar, yeast and vegetable oil, exacerbated by forex deregulation and removal of fuel subsidies, we have critically assessed the state of our business” the Association said.
The Bakers are demanding for liberalisation of flour and sugar imports, with reduced tariffs on baking materials, concessionary forex rates for millers and stakeholders amongst others
Stressing the need for development of local wheat and sugarcane cultivation and processing, the Body seeks alleviation for its members through the removal of multiple federal, state and local government taxes.
It said “Development of cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane in Nigeria, removal of multiple taxations both at the federal, state and local government levels, Immediate implementation of financial support palliatives for bakers as promised as post covid-19 support programmes for SMEs for bakers who have lost over 40% of her membership and still counting.
“Suspension of all forms of taxations on the bakery industry, for now, both at the federal, state and local government levels, set up a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and other conditions that will enhance the ease of doing business in the country”
The AMBCN sets a Deadline for February 27th for the Federal Government to meets it’s demands unless it will embark on an indefinite nationwide strike
