The Sokoto Government says it is planning to establish a modern flour mill in the state to address the challenges of bakeries.

The state Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industries, Alhaji Aminu Bello, disclosed this in Sokoto on Friday shortly after a meeting with members of the state chapter of the Master Bakers Association of Nigeria.

Bello explained that the project would create jobs, raise socio-economic activities and ensure the availability of bread at more affordable prices.

The bakers had at the meeting agreed to reduce the price of a loaf of bread in the state from N120 to N100.

NAN recalls that the association had some weeks ago hiked its price from N100 to N120 per loaf, while the retailers also jerked off the price from N120 to N150.

Bello said that the mill would be established in partnership between the state government and a consortium of investors.

“The state government will continue to negotiate with the members of the business community in the state,” Bello said.

This, the commissioner explained, is in order to find affordable prices of commodities to its citizenry.

The commissioner commended the bakers for showing understanding by agreeing to slash the prices of their products.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Jabbi Sifawa, commended the state government for its intervention.

Sifawa explained that the initial hike in the price of the bread was sequel to increase in costs of production occasioned by the high costs of flour. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Tambuwal.