Home Blog Page 2017

National Grid Collapse: Sowore Blames Obasanjo,  Atiku

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and publisher turned politician, Omoyele Sowore, have clashed over Wednesday’s collapse of the national grid.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN) had announced the collapse of the facility, which led to power outage in many parts of the country.

Even though TCN said the fault has been rectified, many parts of the country are still in total darkness as businesses continue to suffer.

Reacting, Atiku wrote on his Facebook page that “I am reliably informed that there was a total National Grid Collapse at precisely 12:23pm today.

“This is one collapse too many. It is the 6th time this is happening this year alone.

“Due to the priority that I place on the power sector upon which the successes of other sectors are hinged, I am proposing innovative financing of infrastructure that will involve the facilitation of a review of the financial, legal, and regulatory environment to promote private investment in power, among other sectors.

“I’ll promote the incentivisation, with tax breaks, a consortium of private sector institutions to establish an Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) to primarily mobilise domestic and international private resources for the financing and delivery of large infrastructure projects across all the sectors of the economy.

“The IDF will have an initial investment capacity of approximately US$20 billion. In addition, I’ll cause the creation of an Infrastructure Development Credit Guarantee Agency to complement the operation of the IDF by de-risking investments in infrastructure to build investor confidence in taking risks and investing capital.”

Sowore, who is one of the many netizens who reacted to Atiku’s post said, “The National electrical grid collapse started when you and Obasanjo invested $16 billion to procure darkness for Nigeria.

“The @MBuhari regime came to gazette grid collapse as a law. Alhaji @Atiku don’t pretend that you care about the national grid.”

2023: Ortom Says Obi Has Impeccable Credentials For The Job; Meets With Him

By
The Source
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Peter Obi and Samuel Ortom

The Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, has described the Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi  as a man with impeccable credentials to run the affairs of Nigeria.

Governor Ortom’s lavish eulogies on Obi came after the Labour Party flagbear paid him a courtesy call at his private residence in Makurdi where the two leaders met behind closed doors before jointly addressing Journalists.

The PDP Governor said Obi was one among those qualified Nigerians that the people were looking forward to lead this country as he wished him well.

The Governor said that the situation in this country calls for all to be careful and pray to God for leaders who mean well for the survival of the country

He challenged Presidential Candidates of the various political parties in the coming general elections to put Nigeria above personal interests.

According to him, Nigerians were in dire need of people with “commitment and competence” that would fix the leadership crisis that had plunged the country into outright chaos noting  that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Obi was one among those qualified Nigerians that the people were looking forward to having to take the country out of the leadership conundrum.

He commended the decision of the former Anambra Governor to engage Nigerians, especially major players in the country’s politics, irrespective of political leaning on his desire to serve as the country’s next President.

He said: Even though I am a major stakeholder of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the candidate considered me as a Nigerian to consult on his aspiration.”

The Labour Party Presidential candidate also spoke about the reason why he visited the Governor saying that the visit was to show respect to his former political ally in the PDP,.

Obi noted that though they were now in different political parties, their friendship as citizens of the country was most important.

In his response to the question that he did not have the needed structures to win elections, Obi reiterated that the millions of Nigerians who had been impoverished by bad leadership over an extended period  are his political structures.

Currency  Collapse: CBN Moves To Monitor Politicians’ Accounts In Bid To Save Naira

By
The Source
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Godwin Emefiele

Aftermath of the apparent dwindling  National currency, the Naira, and the possible concerns recently expressed by the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, on the continued spending of foreign currency by public officials, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has moved to check the mopping up of dollars at forex market.

The CBN says it is monitoring the Foreign Exchange Market to prevent politicians planning to buy dollar and other foreign currencies to fund their campaigns.

Recall that Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP,  Mr Obi in some of his media interviews decried the brazen use of foreign currency particularly the Dollar by politicians and government officials.

Obi had said that every country’s economy is measured by the strength of its currency and described as a deviation from international standard, government officials and politicians blatantly spending foreign currency boldly and without shame.

Apparently in response to Obi’s public denouncing of the situation, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele on Wednesday announced that the apex bank is monitoring forex and warned politicians mopping up dollars to fund their 2023 election to note its illegality.

According to Emefiele, such action is illegal and could warrant a clampdown from security agents as he warned “those who want to take Naira from their account to buy dollars because of election should desist”

The CBN boss threatened to freeze any bank account found to be involved in illegal transaction of dollars as Post No Debt, (PND) will be placed on accounts caught in the act.

But economic watchers who welcomed the CBN move as a good development has the LP party Presidential Candidate to thank for crying out and drawing attention to such illicit act that is affecting the economy greatly.

“We have Obi to thank for raising the timely  alarm, the  CBN watched and even aided politicians in the two main political parties, the APC and PDP as they rained dollars freely during their National Conventions last month here in Abuja”

The declining currency is already taking a heavy toll on the nation’s economy with many industries in critical areas like the aviation shutting down.

Aero Cotractors, the oldest privately owned Airline in the country, a few days ago,  shut down its operations until further notice. And, on Wednesday, the NCAA shut down the operations of Dana Airline. The troubles of  both Aero and Dana are linked to financial crisis.

Why Dana Flies No More

By
Uche Mbah
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Dana Air

By Uche Mbah

Nigeria’s troubled Aviation industry woke up Thursday to discover  that Dana air, one of the few reliable local airlines, has been suspended indefinitely by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

The action came as a shock to aviation experts bearing in mind that another major airline, Aerocontractors had been grounded just few days ago.

In a statement released by the aviation regulator late Wednesday, the Director-general of NCAA Musa Nuhu, said the suspension is in accordance with the nation’s Aviation Act.

“The suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015,” Nuhu said.

A comprehensive audit has been carried out on the airline which found the health of the airline below par, as the airline was found to be in no position to meet its financial obligations to the regulatory agency.

It has become a risk for the airline to continue to operate, the report said.

“The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this pre-emptive decision will have on the airline’s passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations,” Nuhu added

He explained that the decision has been communicated to the airline.

The suspension of the airline comes at a time when the aviation industry is still reeling under the economic aftermath of Covid 19 pandemic, compounded with the Jet A1 aviation fuel scarcity.

NCAA decision to ground the airline will undoubtedly bring more woes to air travelers as forex scarcity continues to hamper arilines’ operations, experts in the sector say.

Last Monday, Aero Contractors temporarily suspended its scheduled passenger services operations, a decision it said is purely internal.

According to the airline, its decision to suspend operations, was “due to the impact of the challenging operating environment” on its routine operations. The suspension took effect on Wednesday.

“This does not in any way affect the Maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible,” it said.

According to the management, “This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.

“We are working to bring these aircraft back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.”

Access Bank Excites After Raising $1.7m To Boost Education

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Bayo Bernard, Business Editor

Access Bank’s resolve to promote quality education in Nigeria has been boosted after its partners raised a whopping $1.7 million at the recently concluded Access Bank Polo Cup in London, the United Kingdom.
 
The yearly Polo event is organized by the Herbert Igwe-led corporation in conjunction with the United Nations Children Education Fund, UNICEF, an organ of the United Nations, UN saddled with the responsibility of promoting education among children of pre-primary and post primary school age across the world.
 
For two years, the event did not hold due to the corona virus pandemic which affected the global economy and almost rendered the economy of many countries comatose.
Nigerian financial sector was also not left out in the COVID 19-induced economic crisis which limited the operations of commercial banks, especially in the areas of CSR/ charity. 
 
Therefore when the event returned this year, not a few applauded the resilience of the bank, despite the seeming economic challenges in using sports and entertainment to  promote causes that advance humanity, particularly education in Nigeria where paucity of funds has drastically hampered government’s capacity to fund quality education.
 
UNICEF has lamented the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, essentially in war ravaged areas  from 10 million to over 18 million within a few years. 
 

The UN agency said about 18.5 million children, the majority of whom are girls, do not have access to education in Nigeria going by 2021 figure. 

This is a sharp increase, considering that the UN agency had earlier estimated that 10.5 million children were out of school in Africa’s most populous country in 2021.

“Currently in Nigeria, there are 18.5 million out-of-school children, 60% of whom are girls,” Rahama Farah, the head of the UNICEF office in Kano, told reporters.

Viewing the parlous situation of Nigeria’s educational system from this prism, analysts insist that the return of Access Bank Polo Cup this year did not only provide entertainment for lovers of the elite sports, it also means more funds for education in Nigeria.

 
For Polo fans, the event presented an opportunity to enjoy the game at its very peak, after a two year hiatus caused by the COVID 19 headwinds.
 
Nigerian Polo enthusiasts are even more excited that Access Bank team beats Fifth Chucker to lift the cup. But much more,  the icing on the cake for most of them  is that after enjoying themselves from the sterling event, funds raised from the event will be channeled towards supporting quality education in the country.
 
“The bank is sending a good message to the Nigerian public, and the world that it’s investing in entertainment to promote education. 
“The bank has channeled huge funds towards CSR across the country, what has been raised from this event, will, in no small way add value to the nation’s education sector. This is huge considering how many blocks of classrooms and learning materials will be provided from the $1.7million,l. You will agree with me that this is a good news for the nation’s educational system and lovers of quality education around the world” Adejobi Sam, an educationist and public affairs analyst said.
 
He said the bank “has shown itself to be a major stakeholders in Nigeria’s educational sector, it will therefore be safe to describe Access Bank as Nigeria’s education-friendly bank.”
 
According to sources in the bank, the humongous funds will be used  towards building a slew of over 100 well equipped classrooms in the most disadvantage education areas across the country.
 
 
 
 
 

Akeredolu Is Desperate To Sell 50,000 Hectares Idanre Virgin Forest To Chinese Investors – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Protesting Farmers in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in ondo State has alleged that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state is driven by personal interest in his bid to acquire Idanre forests reserve.

Large protests from traditional rulers, politicians  have recently rocked the Sunshine State over the  state government’s decision to cede the Idanre Forest reserve to Chinese investors.

The state government on its part has explained that a programme is underway to bring farmers of same produce together as a cluster like how it is being practiced in developed countries.

This, government said will be able to meet the disabilities requirement, to get things done in the proper way and make it easier for the extension officers and other agricultural benefits get to them through one road.

Reacting PDP in a statement, warned the Governor Akeredolu- led administration to rescind its plans of selling 50,000 hectares of land at Idanre forest reserve to a private companies at the detriment of the farmers in Idanre local government.

A statement by Leye Igbabo, Director of Media and Publicity, PDP in Ondo State also alleged that the planned sale of the land was meant to benefit the family of the governor.

“It has become necessary to alert the world about the dangerous attempt by the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led APC Government in Ondo State, to violently seize 50,000 hectares of farmland from Idanre people in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State and cede it to private companies at the detriment of the agrarian community.The implications, are indeed very grievous!

“From the available records, we verily believe that the said area was constituted as a Forest Reserve for the joint use and benefit of Government and the native communities owning the land and therefore hold that if there was any step or move to be taken by the government on how the said area is to be put to use, it must duly carry along the community.

“We are aware that sometimes in the year 2018, the community through its Traditional Council did a letter to Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu demanding the release of certain portion of the Forest Reserve to the community for farming purposes due to ever increasing agricultural needs of the people to which the Government acceded. And the community keeps on growing by the day.

“We hold therefore that the reason that government refused to carry the people along was due to the primordial interest of the operators of government, particularly, the Governor and his immediate family who have penchant for property acquisition and have, ipsofacto, been taking over any unutilized government land in Ondo State through their cronies.

“We view that the latest action of the government is capable of brewing avoidable crisis which is being preluded by the peaceful protest organized by Idanre people, warning the government against tampering with, or  snatching their means of livelihood under any disguise.

“The APC Government should know that any attempt to take away the means of survival of a people will be resisted, especially when its government at all levels, including the one being operated in Ondo State, have inflicted more than enough, multi-faceted injuries on the people.

“This latest injury is one too many and copiously demonstrates crass insensitivity and irresponsiveness of the APC led government to the yearnings and well-being of the people it purports to serve. This is not only hypocritical, it is also cynical and farcical and its end-result, may be more tragical than ever imagined.

“We are imploring the operators of government in Ondo State, particularly the governor and his immediate family to control their appetite for property acquisition and therefore desist from acquiring and converting government properties in their custody for their personal aggrandizement as everything in life is vanity upon vanity.

“We hereby advise the APC led government to put human face in governance, and for once, hold the people as worthy partners in governance, and treat them with dignity just as they remain the custodian of the mandate entrusted in their hands.”

Imo To Earn $11m World Bank SFTAS Fund For Accountability; Flags Off Owerri/Mbaise/Umuahia, Orlu/Mgbele/Akokwa Roads

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma will Tuesday, July 26, 2022, embark on another milestone in road infrastructure development in Imo State as he flags off the Owerri/Mbaise/Umuahia and  Orlu/Mgbe/Akokwa roads. And the people say the news has given them unlimited relief and joy.

According to a Press statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media/Chief Press Secretary, the idea is to ensure that all major towns and communities as well as economic activities therein are linked to smooth and accessible roads in Imo State.

The Owerri/Orlu and Owerri/Okigwe roads that are major economic arteries linking Imo State to other states in the country are today wearing new looks, courtesy of Governor Uzodimma’s Government.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the weekly Executive Council meeting, on Wednesday, which was presided over by the Governor, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said all arrangements had been concluded for the flag-off of the two roads, noting that when completed the 3-R Administration of Governor Uzodimma must have given Imo people the best of road infrastructure and consequently economic boost.

He also said the Exco was glad to note that Imo State is to earn $11million from the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme of World Bank because of the prudent and transparent implementation of her annual budget.

“It is under this Administration that Imo State has been getting money from the World Bank programme of SFTAS and Imo State is the best in the South East on this programme which is commendable,” Emelumba said.

Emelumba was joined at the briefing by the Commissioners for Science and Technology, Prof. Ginikanwa Nwogu; Budget and Economic Planning,  Dr. C. C. Osuala; Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Princess Rabbi Ibrahim; Chief Political Adviser and Head of Political Bureau,  Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu and Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku.

Emelumba said that Council also charged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work harder, look inwards and plug all loopholes of revenue leakages responsible for the dwindling Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in their establishment.

“This is a directive for them to wake up on their responsibilities.”

The Commissioner equally said that Exco noted with delight that the construction of the new Abattoir is in progress as the design and logistics for the take-off of the project are almost ready.

Other decisions of the Exco, Emelumba  informed, include the approval given for the establishment of a Finishing School in Imo State for graduates and other school leavers to learn skills and entrepreneurship, in addition to whatever certificate they must have acquired from the tertiary and other institutions.

“Before the end of the month, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State,  Senator Hope Uzodimma will embark on the tour of the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State to feel the pulse of the people and see first hand how things are going on in the Local Government Areas,” he explained.

Finally, the Information Commissioner hinted that the State is embarking on update of the Social Register to capture the vulnerable and the less privileged who are supposed to benefit from the National Social Security Provisions of the Federal Government.

Explaining further the gains of the Social Register, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Princess Rabbi Ibrahim said “the update became necessary to make it more effective and to bring in those left outside among the poorest of the poor who are supposed to benefit from the World Bank Programme of Conditional Cash Transfer.”

On the parameters that qualify a State to get the SFTAS fund, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. C. C. Osuala, explained that “the budget must be community-based where the people make input, the physically challenged and the less privileged captured and most importantly, the budget can be accessed online by the World Bank and all those who are interested in its performance.”

Why My Government Is Unable To Pay Salaries – Akeredolu, Ondo State Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

There are ghost workers in the Ondo State Public Service, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said. He made the observation just as he directed the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the State payroll.

Receiving the report of the Committee for Verification, Scrutinization and Clean-up of the State Payroll, the Governor, who suspected that the State Payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised, set up a seven-member committee to continuously clean up the payroll of infractions.

The Committee, led by the Chairman and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Victor Olajorin, on Wednesday submitted its report to the Governor in Akure.

Receiving the reports, Governor Akeredolu frowned at the different infractions discovered in the payroll.

He lamented the over-bloated workforce, which he said was occasioned by many ghost workers.

The Governor also directed that all Ministries, Departments and Parastatals in the State should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment.

“We have over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers. Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as deterrent to others.”

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a yeoman’s job and not compromising their integrity.

Earlier, Mr Olajorin informed the Governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various service including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others.

He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate.

“The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered.

“Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others.

“Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the State Government from the above infractions.

“In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state.

“The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldn’t be traced to any health facilities.

“So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the State Government. Mr. Governor, permit me to mention that the Committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB.”

The Chairman also explained that another issue of concern  by the Committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities at the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the ritual areas.

CAN Disowns “Tinubu Bishops” Says They Are Hired Mechanics

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Tinubu Bishops

By Ayodele Oni and Uche Mbah

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has disowned Bishops that attended the unveiling of the Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Kashim Shettima, saying they are not from its fold.

Describing them as desperados who went there for selfish reasons, the association querried their genuiness as clergymen saying the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was free to “hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them.”

CAN said their action will not change its resolve not to support the presidential bid of APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the former Lagos state governor chose Shetima, a Muslim like himself as his running mate.

The Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) and its chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, made the declaration in Abuja in an  interview with journalists.

“The people we saw at the unveiling of Shettima paraded as Bishops are people who did not have enough time to learn how to wear Bishop garments. Take a closer look at their photo and you will see another Nollywood movie.

“CAN wonders why the desperation. First, a story was out claiming to have come from the Chairman of CAN Borno state only to be refuted.

“Secondly, there was another lie that BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and his running mate were on their way to meet CAN President one night.

“A meeting that was not true and was on a night that the CAN President was in Alabama USA attending Baptist World Alliance Conference of which he is the Vice President.

“Another desperation story was that they met Papa Adeboye which the RCCG later refuted. If Christians are not important why the desperation?

“BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for.

“CAN appreciate that we are in a democracy, no need to do funny and dubious things just to prove a point because it will in the end bounce back. BAT team should simply do what is right and stop the drama.”

Bread Scarcity Looms As Bakers Embark On Strike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Bread in Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

Bread, a major staple for many Nigerian family will soon be a scarce commodity following the decision of Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria, PBAN, to embark on a nationwide strike over the continuous rise in the price of flour and other baking ingredients.

Recently, the association which comprises of owners, Managing Directors and Partners of premium bakeries in Nigeria had threatened to embark on Nationwide strike if the government failed to intervene on the issue.

Having waited this long for government’s intervention,  the Bread Makers said they have no other options than to embark on a four-day warning strike beginning from Thursday July 21, 2022.

The bread makers said the prevailing economic situation has  made it impossible for bakers to operate.

President of the Association, Emmanuel Onuorah and Public & Industrial Relations Officer,  Babalola Thomas, also demanded the Federal Government to stop charging 15 per cent Wheat development levy on wheat import.

In addition, they requested NAFDAC to review downwards the N154,000  penalty charged bakeries on late renewal of certificates.

PBAN also called on the government to grant members access to grants and soft loann from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as being done to other Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

The association  called for the stoppage of multi-agencies regulation of the breadmaking industry because “Operating a bakery in Nigeria has become near impossible as the incessant increase in the prices of baking materials and diesel rendered the industry comatose. Bakeries are mostly running on huge losses and this is no longer sustainable.

“Bread is a staple food and one of the cheapest ‘grab and go’ food that is available for both the poor and rich. It therefore behooves on the federal government to be mindful of this and ensure the survival and sustainability of the industry.

“In a move to ensure the survival of the Premium breadmaking industry in Nigeria, we have decided to embark on a withdrawal of services beginning from Thursday 21st July, 2022 for four days in the first instance and where no intervention from the government, we shall escalate the duration of the withdrawal.

“Our efforts to ensure the survival of the industry led to series of meetings with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja (FMITI) with our sister association in the breadmaking industry in 2021. Our best attempts to ensure that suggestions we put forward for survival of the breadmaking industry has not yielded the desired result.

“Therefore, the withdrawal of service is the only way we believe we can use to get to Federal Government and Nigerians and let them know our plight and how difficult it has been with the breadmaking industry in Nigeria,” the bakers said.

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that the price of a bag of flour which sold for N12,000 in January this year has risen to about N29,000 in the market.

A loaf of bread sold for NN500 early this year is now being sold for N900 with no end in sight for price increase.

The situation, many say, will even get worse if the war between Russia and Ukraine persists.

The two neighbors are the highest exporters of wheat used in producing bread flour in Nigeria.

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