The Master Bakers Association of Nigeria has said that prices of bread will go up by 30 percent before the end of this month.
The chairman of the association in Rivers State, Chidi Orlu, disclosed this while interacting with journalists at the weekend.
He said that the decision to increase the prices of bread was a directive from the National Executive of the body.
Orlu explained that the reason for the increase was as a result of high cost of baking materials in the country.
He said, “In recent times, we have noticed a steady rise in the prices of baking materials. Bag of flower we used to buy at N9,000 has now risen to N16,000.
“We equally notice that prices of other items for baking have gone up three times within this year. How can we feed the public with bread in this kind of situation with the old price?
“That was why the leadership at the top has decided that the prices of bread be increased by 30 percent, and let those who can afford it buy and eat”, he said.
The chairman, however, warned the public against buying bread that are sold cheaper in the market, stressing that the health implications of such cheaper breads are grave. 
According to him, many unregulated bakers and bakeries have resorted to the use of materials that contain high cholesterol and items that are harmful to health, just to make quick money.
He, therefore, called on the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and control (NAFDAC) to wake up to its responsibilities by dealing with bakers that do not adhere to the good standards of baking bread.

By: Corlins Walter