Nigerian bakers under the auspices of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), have staged a nationwide peaceful protest over the rising cost of production, inflation and hardship in the country.
The protest took place after a letter was addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on February 12, stating that the group’s protest would be at every state government house and the National Assembly.
Reports have it that the AMBCN said the protest was to “Drive home demands to save the baking industry from the imminent collapse which may add to the heightened security situation of our dear country.”
Also, on February 10, the association announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike from February 27 if Nigerian government fails to meet their demands.
The association said that the decision to suspend services was as a result of the increasing costs of essential baking materials like flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, petrol, and diesel.
Furthermore, they expressed concern over multiple taxations from different government agencies, and increasing business costs within Nigeria. The AMBCN further demanded development of wheat and sugar cane cultivation and processing within Nigeria, calling for instant implementation of the promised financial aid as part of the post-COVID-19 palliatives for small and medium enterprises, especially for bakers who have encountered substantial
