Stakeholders, consumers worry as prices of flour, bread soar

Presently, Nigerians, especially those from humble backgrounds, are facing challenging times as the affordability of basic necessities, particularly bread, diminishes. Bread, once a staple for the poor due to its accessibility and low cost, has become increasingly unaffordable. The escalating prices of food items have exacerbated the plight of the masses, leading to malnutrition and hunger-related deaths. The pervasive inflationary trend has impacted all facets of life, including food prices. Moreover, the devaluation of the Naira in the global market has further exacerbated economic hardships for Nigerian households.

Recent protests in Niger and Kano States highlight public discontent over the soaring cost of living. Despite these grievances, the government has struggled to find solutions, particularly in addressing the consistent rise in wheat flour prices, the primary ingredient for bread. Bread producers and consumers alike are grappling with the unprecedented price hikes, prompting demonstrations and calls for urgent government intervention.

In the northern regions, Gurasa, a local bread variant, serves as a vital sustenance for many, especially the economically disadvantaged. The protests feature demands for governmental action, underscored by placards expressing frustrations over inflation, flour price hikes, and widespread hunger.

Two main arguments emerge to explain the bread crisis: one attributes it to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to increased transport costs, while the other points to the depreciation of the Naira against the dollar. Both factors contribute to the escalating costs of flour and other essential commodities, plunging many bread producers out of business.

While the fuel subsidy removal advocates blame the policy for exacerbating transportation costs and, consequently, bread prices, those highlighting the Naira depreciation argue that imported wheat flour’s cost is directly impacted by the currency’s exchange rate.

For bread consumers, the situation is dire, with prices doubling within a short period, making it unaffordable for many low-income families. The prevailing sentiment among citizens is one of frustration and urgency, urging the government to address the crisis promptly to avert a potential humanitarian disaster.