NIGERIA – The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) of Nigeria has partnered with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to drive investment in the country’s sugar industry, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production.
The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between NSDC Executive Secretary Kamar Bakrin and the ACCI leadership, led by Barr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN.
Bakrin outlined the NSDC’s goal of producing 2 million metric tons of sugar annually, which would surpass Nigeria’s current demand of 1.8 million metric tons.
To achieve this target, the council is focused on identifying new production sites for sugarcane farming and sugar manufacturing, ensuring the selected sites have long-term success potential.
“We have identified the need to search for new production sites as a priority,” Bakrin explained. “The council is working on developing criteria to ensure the success of these sites and will monitor their progress over the years.”
Bakrin also emphasized the potential profitability of sugar production in Nigeria, citing the interest of local and foreign investors.
He referenced successful sugar programs in countries like Tanzania and Senegal, suggesting that similar efforts could yield significant results in Nigeria.
Bakrin estimated that about US$5 billion would be needed to fully develop the sector and proposed facilitating long-term financing options to attract investment.
In addition to financial incentives, Bakrin stressed the importance of community support for sugar projects, which would create jobs and develop essential infrastructure, such as irrigation systems for sugarcane farming.
He also highlighted the NSDC’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ensuring that sugar producers contribute to the welfare of local communities.
Bakrin expressed optimism about the partnership with ACCI, stating, “We believe that the cooperation between us will benefit both parties.”
Nigeria currently consumes between 1.4 and 1.6 million metric tons of sugar annually, with 96 percent of this volume imported from Brazil.
Earlier, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule called for the inclusion of sugarcane in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a move he believes could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on sugar imports.
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