Food Crisis: Bread Scarcity Hits Kano, Kaduna, Katsina

A severe scarcity of bread, a staple food in Nigeria, has affected Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano States.

Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that bread has become as scarce as petrol and as valuable as gold in these regions. Prices have surged dramatically, making bread unaffordable for many residents, who are now turning to alternatives like noodles, millet porridge, bean cake, and bread with beans.

The price of bread has increased by 20 to 40 percent. Both shop owners and consumers have expressed deep concern, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.

A baker in Kaduna, who requested anonymity, explained, “We have stopped production since July 1, 2024, due to the scarcity and high cost of wheat flour, sugar, oil, and other ingredients. In June, a 50kg bag of flour cost between ₦53,000 and ₦55,000, but now it costs between ₦67,000 and ₦70,000. How can we produce bread and make a profit under these conditions?”

Bread sellers and consumers in Kaduna have lamented the impact of the scarcity on their businesses and daily lives. Haidar Basiru, a tea and bread seller, mentioned that he usually buys 100 loaves of bread but could only obtain 30 due to the shortage. “The bakeries are on strike because of the hike in flour and sugar prices. This has severely affected our business operations,” he said.

Mrs. Kafayat Sadiq, a provisions seller, noted that she has been unable to stock bread since Tuesday due to the high cost of flour. Resident Abdullahi Muhammad shared his frustration: “I went to buy bread for breakfast, but couldn’t find any. I had to buy spaghetti instead.”

In Katsina State, bread prices have also doubled, with a loaf that used to cost ₦200 now selling for ₦400, according to resident Aliyu Idris. Tea sellers and shop owners are struggling to find bread to sell.

Similarly, in Kano State, bread prices have surged. Haruna Salisu reported that a loaf of bread that previously sold for ₦600 now costs ₦800, and sliced bread has increased from ₦1,200 to ₦1,600.

(NAN)