Master bakers in Kogi say they would call off their strike at midnight on Sunday and resume work Monday, July 25 with a hike in the prices of bread.

This was disclosed by Gabriel Bamidele-Adeniyi, Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Kogi Chapter, on Sunday in Lokoja.

The association had on Wednesday, July 20 joined the nationwide strike declared by its national body to press home some demands from the Federal Government regarding prices of materials used in Bread production.

“By God’s grace by tomorrow, Monday July 25, we shall resume production of bread again after ending our strike midnight of Sunday, July 24,” he said.

Mr Bamidele-Adeniyi added: “Although the federal government is yet to respond to our pleas and demands, we are satisfied that we have at least sent a message hoping for a positive result.

“Unfortunately, as we resume production, July 25, prices of bread will definitely increase by 20 per cent.”

The baker noted that the price increment is not their making but occasioned by the prices of the materials they use in production.

“We want the government to see to it that prices of Yeast, Sugar and flour being imported are drastically reduced, more so that only three companies have the licence to import them.

“Unfortunately those three firms are monopolising the prices of Sugar, Yeast and Flour to the detriment of bakers in Nigeria,” he lamented.

Mr Bamidele-Adeniyi appealed to the government to ensure that the sugar company in Bashuta commenced production and equally open the opportunity for members to obtain the licence to import and obtain loans for better bread production. 

(NAN)