The Nigerian government has announced plans to revitalise the sugar value chain, expand sugarcane production, reduce import costs, and create jobs.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr Sammy Adigun, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He stated that the Ministry would partner with credible investors to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production and reduce importation, in line with the National Sugar Master Plan.
He noted that the initiative would create a favourable investment environment, attract both domestic and international capital to the sugar subsector, and galvanise the agricultural ecosystem.
Senator Kyari further revealed that the Ministry would work closely with the National Sugar Development Council and critical stakeholders to unlock the potential of the sugar value chain.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the Renewed Hope Agenda in the agricultural sector, aimed at achieving food and nutrition security.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated that the revitalisation of the sugar subsector would create more jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth.
During his presentation, the Executive Chairman of Niger Foods Security, Mr Sammy Adigun, explained, “Niger Foods plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of 2 million tonnes, aligning with the federal government’s vision of reducing the nation’s dependence on sugar imports.”
He added: “Last year, the company successfully harvested 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just 3 hectares, a feat we believe can be expanded nationwide with adequate support.”
Mr Adigun further revealed that 250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger State for sugarcane cultivation, which will require an estimated $3 billion investment in sugar plants.
This initiative, he said, is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain.