The Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have issued a warning that they will commence a nationwide strike starting February 27 if the Federal government fails to honor the agreement reached in 2020.
The association emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of promised financial support palliatives as part of post-COVID-19 assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises, especially for bakers who have suffered a substantial membership loss exceeding 40%.
In a statement delivered on Tuesday by Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, the Kogi State Chairman of the association, on behalf of the National President Alhaji Mansur Umar, said the decision to withdraw services stems from the rising costs of essential baking materials, including flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, and diesel.
These increases are attributed to subsidy removal and forex deregulation.
Among their grievances, the Master Bakers called for the temporary suspension of all forms of taxation on the bakery industry at the federal, state, and local government levels.
The association expressed concern over multiple taxations from various government agencies, as well as escalating business costs within Nigeria, which have collectively fueled the impending strike action.
The association outlined a series of demands, including the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, a reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials, and provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and stakeholders.
Furthermore, they called for a reduction in tariff on imported wheat and sugar and advocated for the development of wheat and sugar cane cultivation and processing within Nigeria.
To address the challenges faced by bakers, the Master Bakers and Caterers urged the government to eliminate multiple taxations across all government levels and proposed the establishment of a price control and monitoring committee.
These measures, they argue, will not only mitigate the adverse effects of rising costs but also enhance the ease of doing business in the country.
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