Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano states are experiencing a severe shortage of bread, one of the staple foods most popular among Nigerians. Checks showed that the product was extremely difficult to find because of its skyrocketing pricing.
Since many of the locals could no longer afford the staple, they had resorted to other somewhat affordable options including bread, beans, noodles, and millet porridge.
Additionally, there has been a 20–40% increase in the commodity’s prices. Numerous store owners and customers have expressed their displeasure with the unpleasant trend and called for immediate action to stop it.
Speaking in Kaduna, one of the bakers stated, “We have had to stop production since July 1, 2024; it is not that we are on strike.” This regrettable development was brought about by the high price and shortage of wheat flour, in addition to the addition of sugar, oil, and other additives.
“For instance, in June, we were buying a 50kg bag of flour for between N53, 000 to N55, 000, has regrettably skyrocketed to between N67, 000 to N70, 000.
“How can we produce bread and also break even under this precarious situation?”
Some Kaduna State residents and bread vendors bemoaned the lack of bread in the state capital, claiming that it had an impact on their everyday lives and businesses. Haidar Basiru, a tea and bread vendor, claimed that although he typically purchases 100 loaves of bread, the continuous shortage only allowed him to obtain 30, which had already run out.
“The bakeries are saying they are on strike due to a hike in flour and sugar. This development has seriously affected our businesses as we usually operate in the mornings and evenings.
“But, from the look of things, we may not come out in the evening due to bread shortage. In fact, most of my colleagues operating around this axis in Kasuwan barci have not opened today, “ he stated.
Similar to this, Mrs. Kafayat Sadiq, a vendor of provisions, claimed that since Tuesday, she has been unable to stock her store with bread. She attributed this to her supplier’s complaints about the high price of flour. “I went to the shop in the morning to buy bread, which would be eaten as breakfast in my house, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it,” said Abdullahi Muhammad, a resident.
”I had to buy spaghetti for the children to eat and go to school since there is no bread; I hope the issue will be alleviated soon.”
A Kano State citizen who said, “A loaf of bread formerly selling for N600 before now goes for N800,” also confirmed the events in Kaduna and Katsina states.
