The Kogi state chapter of the Association of Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) has announced plans to commence a nationwide strike starting from February 27.
During a press conference held in Lokoja on Tuesday, Adeniyi Bamidele Gabriel, the state Chairman, confirmed the decision, citing grievances over the challenges faced by their industry.
Gabriel stated, “The National President, Mansur Umar, and the National Secretary, Jude Okafor, have issued a statement reflecting the association’s stance on the current business environment in Nigeria and our intention to withdraw our services.”
The statement outlined various concerns, including the significant rise in the prices of baking materials such as flour, sugar, yeast, and vegetable oil. Additionally, it highlighted the impact of subsidy removal and forex deregulation on petrol and diesel prices, which have further exacerbated the situation.
Furthermore, Gabriel emphasized the burden of multiple taxation from federal government agencies and state/local government levies, which have added to the challenges faced by bakers.
The AMBCN demands various measures to address these issues, including the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, reduction or removal of import duties on essential baking materials, and provision of concessionary forex exchange for stakeholders.
Additionally, the association calls for the development of local cultivation and processing of wheat and sugar cane, along with the suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry.
Highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMBCN urges the implementation of promised financial support palliatives for SMEs, particularly bakers who have suffered significant losses.
In response to these grievances, the association has announced a total withdrawal of services commencing on February 27, 2024.
The impending strike underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address the challenges facing the baking industry and ensure the sustainability of businesses within the sector.
