The Nigerian baking industry is grappling with a profound sense of betrayal and disillusionment stemming from the government’s unfulfilled promises and alleged mismanagement of funds intended for its support. The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) has voiced its deep frustration, accusing the government of neglecting the sector and failing to deliver on commitments made to alleviate the crippling costs of production and empower struggling bakers. This broken trust has created a climate of uncertainty and hardship within the industry, pushing many bakeries to the brink of closure and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians.
At the heart of the AMBCN’s grievances lies the unfulfilled pledge of wheat donations from Ukraine. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, publicly committed to providing this vital resource to master bakers during a meeting in Abuja last year. This promise, widely broadcast on television, offered a glimmer of hope for bakers struggling with escalating production costs. The anticipated wheat donation was seen as a crucial lifeline that could help stabilize the industry and prevent further price hikes. However, despite the public nature of the commitment and the reliance placed upon it by the AMBCN, the promised wheat has never materialized, leaving bakers feeling deceived and abandoned. This broken promise has significantly eroded trust between the baking industry and the government.
Adding to the industry’s woes is the controversy surrounding the Cassava Bread Fund, established in 2012 under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. The AMBCN alleges that billions of naira from this fund, intended to support the baking sector, have been diverted to unrelated areas. This claim, supported by findings from the National House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions following a petition filed by the AMBCN, further underscores the perceived neglect and mismanagement of resources meant for the industry’s development. The AMBCN has repeatedly appealed to the National Assembly to ensure the proper allocation of these funds to the Ministry of Agriculture for empowerment programs designed to support master bakers. Despite these efforts, the funds remain inaccessible, hindering the industry’s growth and exacerbating the financial challenges faced by bakers.
The ongoing wheat levy, a mandatory charge imposed on every bag of flour purchased by bakers, has become another source of contention. While the levy is ostensibly intended to fund empowerment initiatives for bakers, the AMBCN asserts that no tangible benefits have materialized. This compulsory contribution, which has seen successive increases by different governments, adds an additional N10,000 to the cost of each bag of flour, further burdening already struggling businesses. The AMBCN argues that this levy, collected and held in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, represents a significant financial drain on bakers without providing any corresponding support or empowerment. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the use of these funds has fueled suspicion and resentment within the industry.
Despite repeated attempts to engage with both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the AMBCN’s pleas for support and intervention have been met with indifference. The association has exhausted all avenues of communication, but their efforts have yielded no meaningful results. This perceived lack of responsiveness from government authorities has deepened the industry’s sense of frustration and helplessness. The AMBCN contends that the government’s continued collection of the wheat levy without providing the promised empowerment programs is akin to “beating a child and refusing them the right to cry.” This analogy highlights the perceived injustice and powerlessness felt by bakers who are struggling to survive under the weight of increasing costs and dwindling support.
The cumulative impact of these broken promises and alleged mismanagement of funds has had a devastating effect on the Nigerian baking industry. Many bakeries, unable to cope with the escalating costs of production and lack of government support, have been forced to close their doors. Those still operating are struggling to break even, facing an uncertain future. The AMBCN emphasizes the significant role the baking industry plays in the Nigerian economy, employing over 120,000 members and supporting countless wholesalers and retailers of bakery products. They argue that as the second-largest employer of labor after the federal government, the baking sector deserves greater attention and support. The AMBCN’s pleas for government intervention underscore the urgent need for action to address the challenges facing the industry and prevent further economic hardship for bakers and their dependents. The lack of response from the Ministry of Agriculture, evidenced by the spokesperson’s failure to respond to calls and messages, further compounds the industry’s concerns and highlights the apparent disconnect between the government and the struggling baking sector.
