Nigerians turn to Bread as recession bites deep

Nigerians have turned to eating bread as the recession in the country continues to bite hard.
Following the pronouncement of recession by the West Africa’s country president, Muhammadu Buhari, many of the country’s citizens are devising means to cut cost especially when it comes to feeding, (chronicle.ng) has found.

Mrs Toyin Alao, who owns a restaurant in Alimosho LGA of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria disclosed to our reporter that more customers demand for bread and beans than ever before, stressing that, after they eat in, they also buy bread as takeaway.
“I think Nigerians have turned to bread because it fills them more and cost less. Once they eat bread and beans they sometimes don’t have to eat for the rest of the day,” she explained.
She added that in the last six weeks, she has recorded more profit on selling bread than on any other commodity in her shop.

Also speaking on the high consumption of bread by Nigerians, Mr Jide Razak, a bread distributor in Lagos State believes that bread is a money-saver. “Bread does not require the use of gas or kerosene. A bottled drink or butter or jam is all you need to eat bread,” he said.
Razak reckoned that Nigerians are increasingly looking for ways to cut cost on food. “The cost of gas or kerosene is frightening and sometimes before you get it you have to go from one gas station to another,” he explained.

Mr Dave Olapade who owns a bakery explained that although the price of flour and baking materials have increased, many Nigerians still see bread as a must have in their homes. “Nigerians see bread as a life-saver, because they can consume it in the morning, at noon or at night.
“The price of flour has soared in recent times but it is still favourite for anyone who wants to cut cost. It is the cheapest fast food you can buy today in this country,” he noted.
Olapade further stated that bread also has it health advantages. “Apart from cutting cost, bread has its health values. It reduces risk of heart diseases and it provides other nutrients for the body,” he said.

Abdul Hassan, a resident of Abuja, told (chronicle.ng) that he consumes bread and tea almost on a daily basis because it takes less time to prepare.
He explained that he buys it from the Mai Shai (Tea Seller) around his house in Gwagwalada. “I cannot trust food from the canteen because I do not know how it is prepared and I cannot spend so much money eating it. So I settle for bread and tea that is made right in front of me.”

In the Ojo LGA of Lagos state the situation is not different.
A cross section of residents who spoke with (chronicle.ng) attest to the huge role bread plays in their daily survival in the face of the present economic hardship.

Mr Kehinde Ephraim a fashion designer and long time resident of the area, says bread is one of those staples necessary for the survival of the average Nigerian. “When taken with beans and a cup of water, bread is very filling and satisfying unlike rice which can’t take one for too long.”
He added that “Bread is always ready in the market, besides when you are down or not too buoyant financially you can easily send your kids to buy you bread”.

On his part Mr Kunle Oguns, a middle aged construction worker at Iba new site says bread is very affordable and unlike other meals which are barely satisfying bread is a trusted stomach satisfier.
According to him “With two hundred naira if I get to any local canteen I will buy bread, beans and a few sachets of water which will take me till probably evening. However I would not be able to get a good plate of rice or eba if I don’t have between three hundred and three hundred and fifty naira”.

For Mrs Saidat Yusuf, a kiosk owner in Iba Housing Estate, the importance of bread cannot be undermined for it is easily and readily available. “If someone is not willing to go through the stress of cooking bread is always the number one alternative. For example because I didn’t want the stress of cooking I simply ordered which I had with Akara (bean cakes)” she said.
“Moreso bread business is quite lucrative. Personally I make quick sales on bread than any other wares I sell here in my little shop. Yesterday I collected quite a number from my distributors and sold all before midday. Everybody loves bread both old and young” she confesses.

Gilbert Okeke a baker based in Ipaye, still in the vicinity informed our correspondent that regardless of the recent increase in the prices of bread occasioned by the over 100 percent increase in the price of flour, Nigerian’s still consume a lot of bread.
“Although the price of flour has jerked up from six thousand five hundred naira (N6500) to eleven thousand naira (N11000), Nigerians consume their bread regardless. I bake about 250 loaves of different sizes on a daily basis and most often I do supply all” he submitted.

Okeke however beckoned on those at the corridors of power to enact policies that will reduce the price of flour as it has greatly affected profitability of bakers across the country.

Kehinde Pase
Ojo, Lagos.