Sugar Master Plan Yields Over N1 Billion Yearly for Farmers – FG

The Federal Government, through the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), has announced that the out-grower scheme under Nigeria’s Sugar Master Plan now provides over N1 billion in annual earnings to more than 535 farmers nationwide.

This information comes from a recent NSDC report on the Nigerian sugar industry, detailing the plan’s progress. In 2008, the Federal Government tasked the council with creating a strategic roadmap for achieving national self-sufficiency in sugar production. This led to the development of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.

NSDC’s Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, highlighted key achievements of the master plan in a briefing to senior journalists in Lagos. Through this initiative, the council has increased Nigeria’s total installed sugar refinery capacity to 3 million metric tonnes.

The sugar master plan has attracted $1 billion in investment for backward integration programs, launched out-grower schemes benefiting 535 farmers with over N1 billion annually, and fostered new investments in greenfield projects. Additionally, the Nigerian Sugar Institute was established to drive research and development in the sector.

Bakrin emphasized that sugar production is a significant economic driver, providing numerous livelihoods and spurring secondary industries like transport, equipment manufacturing, and retail.

Furthermore, the sector’s growth catalyzes rural development through improved infrastructure such as roads, power, education, and healthcare.

The NSDC remains committed to achieving national sugar self-sufficiency within the next eight years by enhancing local production efforts.

Bakrin noted that this involves securing substantial funding and promoting expansion among existing and new industry players, including local and international commercial sugarcane growers.

Efforts also include advancing training for industry manpower, creating locally adapted sugarcane varieties, and driving best practices through extension services.

Bakrin pointed to the robust local demand and access to the $7 billion African market as compelling reasons for investing in Nigeria’s sugar sector. The country’s sugar market is valued at $2 billion, and local production is increasingly competitive given the current macroeconomic environment.

He concluded by stating that with available land in secure regions, favorable financial returns, and global expertise to support local projects, the economics of sugar production in Nigeria present a strong case for continued investment and development.