Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) has issued a strong rebuttal against widespread social media reports claiming a drastic reduction in the price of flour, labeling the information as false, malicious, and dangerously misleading.
In an official statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Onyoh, the association categorically dismissed claims that the price of a 50kg bag of flour had dropped to between N35,000 and N40,000. PBAN clarified that the current market reality is starkly different, with flour prices averaging N59,000 per 50kg bag, varying by brand and location.
The association expressed deep concern over the continuous surge in flour prices, a primary raw material that dictates production costs and ultimately the price of bread.
PBAN described the viral social media post as “malicious and highly deceptive,” noting that it not only spread false price information but also falsely accused bakers of refusing to lower bread prices in response to the purported price drop.
“We wish to state categorically that these claims are false, baseless, and a calculated attempt to incite the Nigerian public against hardworking bakers who are struggling to stay afloat,” Onyoh stated.
The association emphasized that bakers are themselves victims of the escalating cost of production, grappling with soaring prices for flour, sugar, yeast, and energy. They warned that such misinformation creates undue public hostility towards local businesses that are operating on razor-thin margins.
PBAN urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and to seek verified information from credible sources. The statement serves as a caution against the economic and social harm caused by the spread of unverified claims, particularly in a sensitive sector like food production where price stability is crucial for both producers and consumers.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and called for constructive dialogue on the real challenges facing the baking industry, rather than the propagation of divisive and inaccurate narratives.