Business

Bread Production: Bakers Demand Price Reduction On Flour And Other Ingredients

Published

3 months ago

August 15, 2024

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Bakers have called for a reduction in flour prices and urgent government intervention to address skyrocketing costs affecting their operations.

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to intervene on the incessant increase in the prices of flour despite recent approval of duty-free importation waiver on wheat and maize.

The association therefore called on government to probe the activities of Flour Milling Association of Nigeria and sugar producers for causing the increases in the prices of bread.

The Chairman of the Association in Lagos State, Chief Matthew Ayoola and General Secretary, Abraham Alabi, who raised the observations during a press conference, proposed a reduction in the prices of wheat, flour and other ingredients used by bakers for smooth operation.

The event had as its theme, “Call For The Federal Government’s Urgent Intervention On The Incessant Increase Of Flour Prices Despite Recent Approval Of Duty-Free Importation Waiver On Wheat, Maize, Others.”

The text reads, “The record holds that Master Bakers and Caterers in Nigeria are the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria. This means that bakers’ shutdown of bakeries might pollute the society

“We sincerely appreciate the federal government of Nigeria upon the approval of a 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of wheat, maize, and husked brown rice as part of measures to combat rising food inflation across the country effective August 1, 2024. However, the Nigeria Millers are yet to implement this on the price of their commodities.

“We are using this medium to call on the Federal Government to intervene in the operations of the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) as they are a major factor causing incessant increases in the price of wheat which falls to the high price of buying bread. It seems they intend to siphon money and milk the majority of Nigerians to live in abject poverty. Their current incessant increase of flour and sugar prices despite Government actions to ameliorate the cost of food items is a sabotage to the economy. The millers are taking advantage of government assistance to enrich themselves and make the good citizens starve.

“It’s imperative to note that in July the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the approval of a 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of wheat, maize, and husked brown rice as part of measures to alleviate rising food inflation across the country. The government’s notable action should be to help bring down the prices of food items in the market, making some food items more accessible and affordable for the masses.

“However, our findings revealed some Millers chose to sell wheat to neighboring countries and some of them chose to ignore this waiver and instead continue to inflate the price of flour on a daily basis. This action has not only disregarded the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians but also a severe blow to our industry. It’s a way of robbing innocent Nigerians. The millers did not consider our call for price reduction but rather advised us to inflate the price of bread more to inflict pain on the common man, which is an inhumane action to take.

“This constant increase in the price of flour by millers has made it impossible for Bakeries to operate and function smoothly which has also led to the shutdown of many bakeries and their staff being laid off. Lives are at stake when basic needs are scarce. Nigerians complain on a daily basis due to a lack of basic needs for survival and bread is one of them. The flour Millers are mounting pressure on human beings unnecessarily. Today, the price of flour has increased by 67,000 naira as against the last ten years’ price of 8,000.

“As flour is experiencing an increase so also are sugar, yeast, wheat, butter, nylon, and other ingredients needed, in fact, everything we use for production has increased. All the millers have declined our proposal for reduction of the cost of flour.

“We therefore call on the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the millers and sugar producers assess them and force them to do the needful because it seems they are more focused on making exorbitant and excess profits while they put the country at risk and chaos.

We appeal to the Ministry of Industry, trade, and Investment for urgent intervention in this matter.

“The smooth operations of bakers across the country are at risk due to the unjust practices of millers. Bakers need help to assist the masses cushion the effect of hunger in the land. Everything keeps increasing except workers’ income. Bread is common to Nigerians. It has an impact on both bakers and purchasers and there is a need for reduction of flour, wheat, and other materials. The inflating cost of bread saddens our hearts unfortunately the millers’ actions pose a greater challenge to us. For the public to experience adequate reduction of food items, the price of wheat must be reduced.

“Wheat is typically milled into flour which is then used to make a wide range of foods including bread, crumpets, muffins, noodles, pasta, biscuits, cakes, pastries, cereal bars, sweet and savory snack foods, crackers, crisp bread, sauces and confectionery (e.g. licorice).

“We request the Federal government to enforce the implementation of the waiver from the point of importation to the consumers for proper monitoring. The government should meet with the Millers on possible solutions to curb the incessant increase in the cost of flour and wheat. There should be a reduction in prices of wheat, flour, and other ingredients bakers use for smooth operations.

“We propose a reduced price range of between N30,000 and N40,000 per bag. To avoid a shutdown of bakers, the government’s 150-day duty-free window should reflect on the prices at which bakers purchase production commodities which would automatically reflect on the price at which Nigerians purchase breads and other consumables.

“We also demand a surplus in the distribution/accessibility of commodities to bakers. We also urged the Federal Government to take decisive actions to ensure that the waivers on wheat importations are enforced and that the millers comply with the intended purpose of reducing the cost of flour and wheat. The Federal government waiver should reflect the cost of food items bought.”

How much is better bread sold in your area?
Here’s N1,500 and above

Please leave a comment let’s talk about it.

Business

Stop Interest Hiking, Experts Tell CBN As Apex Bank Raises Rate Again

Published

1 day ago

November 27, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Stop Interest Hiking, Experts Tell CBN As Apex Bank Raises Rate Again

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By Chris UGWU, Kasarahchi ANIAGOLU Nov 27 2024

Some financial experts have said that the CBN’s 25 basis points rate hike signals a potential pause in interest rate increases starting next year, emphasizing the need for relief for small businesses facing high financing costs.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had raised its interest rate by 25 basis points, increasing it from 27.25 per cent to 27.50 per cent, in response to the country’s rising inflation.

This decision was announced by CBN Governor Mr. Yemi Cardoso, who also chairs the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), following their meeting in Abuja.

The MPC unanimously agreed to the hike as part of ongoing efforts to address inflationary pressures in the economy.

The analysts in an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER noted that despite the CBN’s tightening measures, inflation remains high, with benefits mainly seen in exchange rate stability due to foreign portfolio inflows.

They agreed that the rate hike was expected due to rising inflation, warning that it will increase business financing costs, which could be passed to consumers and further strain household budgets.

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market, Uche Uwaleke indicated that the move might signal an imminent pause in the CBN’s aggressive monetary tightening cycle.

Uwaleke noted that the marginal increase aligns with analysts’ expectations, suggesting a potential shift in the CBN’s strategy.

“The marginal rate increase is a signal that the CBN may completely pause or apply the brake on interest rate hikes starting from the first quarter of next year,” he explained.

The professor emphasized the necessity of a pause, citing the rising cost of funds and its adverse impact on credit access, particularly for small businesses. “This needs to happen so that small businesses can breathe,” he remarked.

Despite the CBN’s sustained tightening measures, headline inflation remains stubbornly high, reversing recent gains and rising further.

Uwaleke observed that the benefits of the rate hikes have been most apparent in the foreign exchange market, where increased foreign portfolio inflows have contributed to exchange rate stability in the official window.

However, the broader economic picture remains concerning. The Q3 2024 GDP report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed weak performance in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, a development Uwaleke attributed to rising interest and exchange rates.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between monetary and fiscal authorities to navigate the country’s macroeconomic challenges effectively.

“The current macro-economic challenges make it imperative for a proper synergy between monetary and fiscal policies,” he advised.

Managing Director of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited and former President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe also shared his views on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points, moving it from 27.25 per cent to 27.50 per cent.

Amolegbe noted that the rate hike was widely anticipated, particularly given the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report showing inflation had increased by over 100 basis points in the previous month.

“The truth is that this was somewhat expected,” Amolegbe stated, acknowledging that many analysts had predicted this adjustment, with some even anticipating a higher increase due to ongoing price instability across various sectors of the economy.

He further pointed out that the government’s fiscal and structural measures, aimed at curbing inflation, have yet to yield immediate results.

“These measures typically take time to have the desired impact,” he said, adding that as a result, monetary policy has remained the primary tool available to the CBN in its efforts to stabilize the economy.

“This leaves us with monetary policy as the only effective tool to prevent the economy from spiraling out of control,” he explained.

However, Amolegbe also warned of the potential negative consequences of the rate hike on businesses and consumers.

“The likely impact of this move will be a further increase in financing costs for businesses,” he stated.

These higher costs are expected to be passed on to consumers, potentially raising prices on goods and services and putting additional strain on household budgets.

Amolegbe concluded by emphasizing the delicate balance the CBN faces in managing inflation and ensuring that the economy does not overheat, while acknowledging the challenges that persist in the broader economic landscape.

Managing Director of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri also weighed in on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s continued use of interest rate hikes as a tool to manage inflation, noting that while effective in the short term, it remains insufficient in addressing the underlying economic issues.

In an exclusive interview, Adonri explained that interest rate adjustments are a critical component of monetary policy designed to curb inflation until more sustainable fiscal measures can be implemented to address the structural causes of economic imbalance.

“Interest rates are a potent tool for managing inflation in the short term,” Adonri stated.

“However, their effectiveness is often limited when coupled with expansionary fiscal policies,” he added.

He further emphasized that the ongoing fiscal expansion, alongside factors such as insecurity and currency depreciation, continues to fuel inflation.

These persistent challenges leave the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with few options but to maintain its contractionary monetary stance.

“As long as fiscal policies remain expansionary and the factors driving inflation persist, the MPC will have no choice but to continue raising interest rates,” he explained.

Adonri also cautioned that allowing inflation to spiral out of control would have devastating consequences for both consumers and producers. “The impact of unchecked inflation would be far more harmful than the effects of higher interest rates,” he warned, underlining the importance of the MPC’s approach in preventing further economic instability.

Despite the negative effects on certain sectors of the economy, Adonri acknowledged that the interest rate hikes provide a silver lining for investors in debt instruments.

“The bonanza for investors in debt assets will continue as the rates rise,” he noted, as higher interest rates typically make fixed-income investments more attractive.

In conclusion, while the CBN’s monetary policy actions are necessary to address the current inflationary pressures, Adonri stressed the need for a coordinated effort between monetary and fiscal policies to tackle the structural issues contributing to inflation and ensure sustainable economic growth in the long term.

Meanwhile, Cardoso called for critical synergy between the monetary and fiscal sectors of the economy to achieve price stability and curtail inflationary pressures on food and other commodities.

According to Cardoso, food prices remain a key driver of inflation, compounded by rising energy costs that affect production factors.

“The recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has also impacted the cost of production and distribution of food items and manufactured goods.

“The Committee was optimistic that the full deregulation of the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry would eliminate scarcity and stabilize price levels in the short to medium term.

“Members, thus, reiterated the need to deepen collaboration between the monetary and fiscal authorities to ensure the achievement of our synchronized objectives of price stability and sustainable growth.”

Cardoso highlighted members’ concerns over persistent exchange rate pressures, driven by continued high demand in the market.

Cardoso expressed satisfaction with the resilience and stability of the banking sector despite significant external and internal challenges.

He outlined key financial soundness indicators, stating that the “Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio, and Liquidity Ratio (LR), among others, remain strong.”