Government reaffirms commitment to sugar self-sufficiency
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its determination to reduce the country’s reliance on imported sugar by revitalizing the domestic sugar value chain. This commitment was made clear by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a recent meeting with stakeholders in Abuja.
The meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters, where the minister received a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd., led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun. The minister emphasized that the sugar industry holds significant potential to contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and play a pivotal role in achieving food security.
Sugar sector seen as key to job creation and economic growth
Senator Kyari highlighted the importance of revamping the sugar value chain as part of broader efforts to boost the national economy. He noted that the sugar industry can provide livelihoods for thousands of farmers, generate employment across various segments of the supply chain, and attract private investment.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with credible and serious investors in alignment with the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). The plan aims to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, create jobs, and ultimately reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports.
“The sugar value chain is very critical in raising the GDP, and we will continue to engage with key stakeholders to unlock its potential,” Kyari said.
Ministry pledges support for credible investors
The Minister assured that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, would work in close collaboration with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and other stakeholders to ensure that investment efforts yield tangible results. He reiterated the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s food and nutrition security through strategic agricultural reforms and industrial growth.
According to Kyari, improving domestic sugar production aligns with the government’s broader goals of economic diversification and self-reliance in food production.
Niger Foods to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd., Mr. Sammy Adigun, outlined the company’s ambitious plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane. This initiative is expected to yield over two million tonnes of sugarcane, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s local sugar supply.
Adigun revealed that 50,000 hectares of land have already been secured in Niger State for this large-scale project, which will require an estimated $3 billion in investments for sugar plant infrastructure and processing facilities.
“This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost local economies, and strengthen the nation’s agro-industrial value chain,” Adigun said.
Early success and future prospects
The company has already achieved a milestone by producing 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just three hectares of land last year. This early success demonstrates the potential scalability of the project and its alignment with the government’s national development goals.
With government backing and strong private sector involvement, the initiative promises to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s sugar industry, reducing the nation’s import bill and positioning the country as a major player in the West African sugar market.
