The Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has assured the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group of his administration’s commitment to facilitating the establishment of another large-scale sugar project in the state
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Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Council and representatives of the Lee Group at the Government House in Minna, the governor urged the investors to select any suitable location within the state for the proposed multi-million-dollar sugar production project.
“Niger State is open to serious investors. We have the land, water, and political will to support projects that will grow our economy and create jobs. The government is ready to provide land for this sugar project from any part of the state that the investor considers suitable,” Governor Bago said.
The delegation was led by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, alongside officials of the Council and the Lee Group, owners of GNAL Sugar.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with credible investors, particularly in agriculture and agro-industrial development, stressing collaboration and long-term partnership as key principles.
According to the NSDC delegation, the engagement was aimed at formally introducing the Lee Group as a reputable large-scale sugar investor to Niger State, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most viable locations for sugarcane cultivation due to its vast arable land and abundant water resources.
Mr. Bakrin reiterated the Council’s resolve to advance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency drive in sugar production through credible partnerships.
“The Council is deliberate about the kind of investors we bring to our states. Lee Group is a serious conglomerate with a long-standing track record in sugar and industrial development, and this engagement is about building a sustainable, long-term partnership that will benefit the state and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
He explained that the NSDC’s mandate extends beyond policy formulation to actively facilitating investor engagement with sub-national governments, particularly in unlocking land access, infrastructure, and institutional support necessary for successful sugar projects..
Also speaking, the Project Director of the Lee Group, Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, underscored the company’s experience in industrial and agro-industrial development spanning over six decades.
“Lee Group has been in the industrial sector for more than 60 years, and we understand that sugar production is a long-term investment. Our interest in Niger state is based on its natural advantages, especially land and water resources, and we are prepared to work patiently with the state government and NSDC to develop a sustainable sugar project,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the NSDC for facilitating the engagement and to the Niger State Government for its openness to partnership, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sustainability, local value creation, and alignment with Nigeria’s sugar development objectives.
The NSDC recently concluded a nationwide study identifying about 1.2 million hectares as suitable for sugar development, with Niger listed among 11 states possessing optimal conditions for large-scale sugarcane cultivation.