Bread makers under the aegis of the Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria (PBAN), have concluded plans to embark on a protest at the Lagos State Assembly as well as the Governor’s office over alleged extortion of their members by officials of the state government.
The association said it had made several attempts to meet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu without success, saying the extortion had continued unabated.
The body, which comprises owners, Managing Directors and Partners of premium bakeries in Nigeria vowed “To lay a siege” at Alausa, the seat of power in Lagos as their complaints have been met with “deafening silence.”
In a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Onuorah and Public & Industrial Relations Officer (PIRO), Babalola Thomas, the association noted that the planned action became necessary as operating a bakery within Lagos State has become nearly impossible.
“Multi-agency regulation is now an albatross to our businesses in Lagos State. Ministry of The Environment, LASEPA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport (State Carriage), Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), Daily toll in streets and major roads by LGAs/LCDAs thugs, LGA Environment Department, VIO, LASTMA etc are what we contend with daily in Lagos with their negative impact on premium bakery industry,” the association revealed.
The association added that “Bread is a staple food and one of the cheapest ‘grab and go’ food that is available for both the poor and rich. It, therefore, behoves the government and key agencies to be mindful of this.”
