hike in prices of flour protest
On Friday, Gurasa, the local bread bakers in the ancient city of Kano, organized a peaceful protest, expressing their concern over the surge in flour prices, which they argue poses a significant threat to their businesses.
The bakers conveyed that they used to purchase a bag of flour for N10,000 in the past, but it currently sells for N41,000, a cost beyond their means.
Heading the demonstration, the Chairperson of the association, Fatima Awwal, urged the Federal Government to promptly address the consistent rise in commodity prices. She emphasized that failure to do so would result in the detriment of their businesses, stating, "We are here on the streets, protesting to bring attention to the economic challenges we are currently grappling with."
Our small-scale business is deteriorating due to the surge in flour prices. It is a venture for the less privileged that the affluent wouldn't consider undertaking.
We find ourselves in a challenging situation and urgently seek assistance. This industry is predominantly operated by women.
Many have already suffered capital losses, and now only 25 percent of us remain operational, as numerous others have shuttered due to insufficient capital.
Previously, we purchased a bag of flour for N16,000, but now it is priced at N43,000. This drastic increase is unreasonable. What we produce is a staple for the less privileged, and its affordability is diminishing. Every time we purchase flour, we encounter an additional cost of N1,500 to N2,000.
We urge the relevant authorities to address this issue promptly, as our businesses are on the brink, and it is taking a toll on our families, especially considering that many of us are widows. This is our means of providing for our families, and as life becomes increasingly challenging, feeding our families and sending our children to school has become a formidable struggle due to these hardships.
Presently, we rely on the IRS flour manufactured by Abdussamad, which has proven to be the optimal choice for our products. Unfortunately, the escalating cost has rendered it unaffordable for us. Without intervention, we may be compelled to cease operations, impacting the broader public.
"We cannot engage in practices contrary to the principles of Islam, thus necessitating the involvement of governments at various levels, including the federal government and local councils, to address the exorbitant price of flour. We urge these authorities to engage with flour-producing companies to negotiate a reduction in prices.
"We implore the government to explore constructive measures to support these flour companies in acquiring foreign exchange, thereby making the cost of production more favorable," stated Awwal.
Gurasa, a local bread made from flour, yeast, sugar, and water, holds significance as a staple and provides employment opportunities. It is widely distributed in marketplaces, motor parks, and roadside locations, serving as a crucial aspect of local economies.
The demonstrators displayed placards bearing messages such as "Inflation is excessively high in the country," "We strongly oppose the rise in flour prices," "FG must take immediate action, we are weary of flour price increments," "Examine the surge in flour prices," "Nigerians are hungry," and "Gurasa is the sole staple for the less privileged," among other sentiments.
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