5 million jobs lost as 30% of Nigerian bakeries close – Master Bakers
Bakers operating under the umbrella of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the baking industry in Nigeria.
The bakers said that in the last five months, over 30% of their members have been forced to close their factories, leading to the loss of jobs for more than five million Nigerians who were employed in the industry.
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These bakers attribute the industry’s decline to several factors, including the removal of fuel subsidies, rising inflation, and the soaring costs of essential production materials such as sugar and flour. They also point to the burden of multiple taxation policies that have compounded their challenges.
This information was conveyed through a communiqué released following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the National President, Alhaji Mansur Umar, and the Secretary, Hon Jude Okafor.
The bakers are particularly troubled by the numerous taxes imposed on wheat, which, they argue, are driving up the prices of bakery products, particularly bread.
They urgently call on the Federal Government to intervene by discontinuing these multiple revenue and taxation policies that are strangling the bakery industry.
Despite the challenging operational environment, the bakers have pledged not to compromise on the quality of their products and their commitment to serving the Nigerian population.
The leaders of the Association have advised bakers to maintain production in accordance with NAFDAC’s standard quality requirements, regardless of the current challenges resulting from skyrocketing production costs.
Furthermore, the bakers have appealed to the Federal government to step in and address the incessant increases in the cost of flour and sugar, just as it recently did in the cement industry.
They emphasized the importance of this intervention, as food is a fundamental necessity for preserving life.
By highlighting these issues, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria hopes to draw attention to the critical challenges facing the bakery industry and work toward a solution that safeguards jobs and ensures the availability of affordable, high-quality bakery products for Nigerians.
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