The Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, says the establishment of the Nigerian Sugar Institute is one of the key instruments for job creation and economic sustainability.
The Minister, who spoke at the commissioning of the institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, said it was a landmark achievement and a testament to what public-private partnership can achieve.
“The institute would provide cutting-edge research and development programmes that will catalyze the development of the sugar industry and enhance its viability, competitiveness, and sustainability; facilitate the dissemination, extension, adoption, and commercialization of its R&D activities; and develop the human resources required to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian sugar industry,” he added.
The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Latif Busari, said the institute is a critical enabler for the implementation of the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), embodying three backup pillars that will support the drive for a virile and competitive sugar industry.
He listed them to include Research, Development & Innovation; Technical Manpower Development; and Provision of Clean and Pure Seed Cane for growers, all based on the most advanced technologies available.
“As the industry Regulator, the Council may no longer directly engage capacity development.
“Indeed, our enabling law requires Council to utilize the sugar levy to only support these critical activities. This is what we have been doing and will continue to do, within the constraints of available funds.
“Going forward, however, this institute is to be largely funded and managed by the sugar operators.
“It is a unique experiment in public-private sector collaboration to advance research and capacity development for an industrial sector in Nigeria, and all stakeholders owe it to Nigerians to ensure its success,” Mr Busari added.
Governor of the State, Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, and the Emir of Ilorin, Mr Zulu Gambari, commended the Minister for establishing the institute in the State, stating that the institute would remain a legacy of purposeful service for the people of the State.
Present at the ceremony were the Governor of the State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; his Deputy, Mr Patrick Alabi, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulu Gambari; Chairman of Dangote group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Chairman of Flour Mills, Mr John Coumantaros, amongst others.
