The agreement is stated as a Post Covid - 19 support program for SMEs for bakers, Therefore, the strike is a reminder and a call for the government to enact its promises to financially support bakers and suspend all forms of taxation on Bakerys at all government levels.
At the heart of the matter, is a statement made by the National President of AMBCON, Alhaji Mansur Umar which was read by the Kogi State Chairman of the association, Chief Gabriel Adeniyi over the mounting costs of production, particularly due to the soaring prices of essential ingredients like flour, sugar, and cooking gas which brought about the withdrawal of baking services. These inflationary pressures have severely squeezed profit margins for businesses in the sector, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their operations.
Additionally, the association has voiced discontent with what they perceive as insufficient government support and regulatory frameworks. They argue that current policies fail to adequately address the specific needs and challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the baking and catering sphere. The perceived lack of targeted interventions, coupled with bureaucratic hurdles, has affected the growth and competitiveness of businesses operating in the sector.
Another statement by the association partly read, “The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have critically accessed the state of our business operation, consequently demand the liberalization of flour and sugar importation, reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials such as flour, sugar, butter, yeast etc as applicable to other commodities as have recently been done by the federal government and Provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders as well as reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar.”
Mr. Adeola Adeleke, the National President of MBAN, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to tackle these pressing issues. He underscored the crucial role played by bakers and caterers in providing essential food services to communities nationwide and called for greater recognition and support from policymakers.
The impending strike is anticipated to have significant repercussions for consumers, businesses, and the broader economy. With bakeries and catering services poised to halt operations, consumers may face shortages of bread, pastries, and other baked goods. Simultaneously, event planners and hospitality businesses could encounter disruptions in catering services.
In response to the impending strike, stakeholders are urging both the government and the Master Bakers Association to engage in constructive dialogue to address the underlying issues. They stress the importance of resolving the grievances raised by bakers and caterers while minimizing the potential impact on consumers and the economy.
As the countdown to February 27 progresses, all eyes are on government officials and industry leaders to take proactive measures to avert a full-scale crisis in the baking and catering sector. The resolution of this standoff will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the industry's future and the millions of Nigerians who depend on its products and services.
Source: https://hubforjobs.com/bakers-and-caterers-to-commence-nationwide-strike-february-27