The Association of Master Bakers And Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has pleaded with the Federal Government to step in and address the country’s rising flour price.
The association’s Lagos State Chairman, Chief Ayoola Mathew, made the call during a news conference on Wednesday in Agege, Lagos, themed theme: “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,” according to News Agency of Nigeria.
The chairman voiced concerns about the ongoing rise in flour prices, claiming that it has resulted in staff layoffs and the closure of numerous bakeries.
Matthew applauded the Federal Government for trying to mitigate the escalating food inflation, but he criticized Nigerian millers for not taking advantage of the respite in terms of price reduction.
He urges the federal government to step into the operations of the Flour Millers’ Association of Nigeria.
According to him, the millers are sabotaging the economy and taking advantage of the government’s assistance to enrich themselves.
“Our findings reveal that some millers chose to ignore this waiver and instead continue to inflate the price of flour daily.
“This action has not only disregarded the federal government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians but also dealt a severe blow to our industry.
“It is a way of robbing innocent Nigerians. The millers did not consider our call for price reduction but rather advised us to inflate the price of bread more to inflict pain and hardship on the common man.
“This is an inhumane action,” Matthew said.
As a result, he called for an inquiry into the operations of sugar producers and millers in Nigeria.
“We call on the government to control the prices of flour ranging between N30,000 to N35,000 per bag.
“There should be implementation of the waiver from importation to consumers for proper monitoring.
“Sanctions on non-compliant agencies, groups, or individuals.
“We also want surplus distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers,” he said.
The Federal Government approved a 150-day duty-free window in July to facilitate the importation of grains, including wheat.
This initiative aims to alleviate rising food inflation across the country.
