Delta State is experiencing a bread shortage as a result of the master bakers' nationwide strike. Since the majority of bakeries in the state have also been closed, the taskforce of master bakers has been keeping an eye on compliance.
Decon Ukperegbu, the leader of the Master Bakers Association's Ika branch, told reporters that the main goal of the strike was to forge a strong association that would allow them to establish a standard price for their goods.
He explained that the strike action will allow them to speak with the appropriate authorities to lower the cost of materials. He claimed that the union had established a committee to keep an eye on the activities of outsiders coming to the state to advertise their goods.
“We’re set to take up legal action against those operating as Master Bakers in Ika Land who refused to register with the association in the locality,” he added.
Mr. Philip Okwuokenyen, a baker, claimed that the industry is struggling and that material prices are inconsistent. He also revealed that he sells his goods himself because he is unable to hire salespeople.
“I hardly make profit and employing more workers is out of it. I now engage members of my family in the production process and sales,” he stated.
He noted that several makers of bread had closed their doors and stated that "a bag of flour that cost N20,000 in December of last year now costs N29,500. The cost of additional materials is also.
Also speaking, Mrs. Tessy Aghaulor, chairman of the Agbor Branch of the Bread Sellers Association, disclosed that the cost of bread had grown by more than four times this year.