By Jude Atupulazi
Bread, that all-important delicacy enjoyed by most Nigerians home for breakfast, may soon not be available. This follows the threat by the Bakers Association of Nigeria to shut down the production of bread if their demands are not met within in two weeks.
Briefing newsmen in Owerri the Imo State capital last weekend, the State Chairman of the association, Chief Osmond Nkoma on behalf of the National body, said this had become necessary following several appeals to the Federal Government to help in bringing down the cost of bread production.
The bakers further listed their demands to include: liberalization of flour and sugar importation; reduction of import duties on major baking materials; provision of concessionary forex exchange for flour millers; and reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar; while also seeking tax holidays.
The country has witnessed a continued rise in the price of bread such that many families are finding it difficult to include it as part of their breakfast. A big loaf of bread now sells for between N1, 300 and N1, 500, depending on the brand. This has made many to resort to buying smaller loaves by lesser known bakers which are baked in unhygienic conditions and without recourse to quality control.
