Kano Govt, bakers reach agreement on price of bread in Nigeria

NIGERIA -The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, in collaboration with the Master Bakers and Caterers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, has reached a consensus on maintaining bread prices despite a recent decline in flour costs.

Instead of reducing prices, bakers have agreed to improve the size and quality of bread to reflect the cost adjustment.

This resolution followed a meeting between the Commission and the bakers’ association, where concerns were raised about the unchanged price of bread despite a significant drop in flour costs. A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting confirmed the agreement, signed by the chairman of the anti-corruption commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, and the chairman and secretary of the bakers’ association.

While acknowledging the reduction in flour prices, bakers highlighted that other essential ingredients required for bread production, such as sugar, oil, and butter, had not experienced similar price reductions. These factors contributed to the decision to adjust the size and quality of bread rather than its price, ensuring that consumers still receive fair value for their purchases.

Addressing public concerns, the meeting clarified the prevailing misconception that bakers were purchasing a bag of flour at N90,000 (US$60). It was established that, following the Kano State government’s intervention through the Commission last year, bakers have been acquiring flour at N60,000 (US$40) per bag.

Furthermore, the Commission acknowledged that some flour companies had voluntarily reduced the price of a bag of flour by N2,000 (US$1.3) in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan. However, this reduction only took effect the week before the meeting, limiting its impact on overall bread production costs.

Both parties expressed appreciation to flour companies that implemented the price reduction, recognizing their support during a period of economic hardship. However, they also noted that the N2,000 (US$1.3) reduction alone was insufficient to justify a direct decrease in bread prices, given the stable or rising costs of other baking ingredients.

As part of the resolution, the bakers’ association committed to increasing the weight of bread loaves to reflect the flour price adjustment, ensuring consumers benefit from the cost reduction in a tangible way.

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption commission pledged to engage with the Singer Market Traders Association to ensure a steady supply of flour and to monitor compliance with the Ramadan-inspired price reductions offered by certain flour companies.

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