The Nigerian government has urged BUA Foods to expedite the completion of its sugar factory in Lafiagi, Kwara State, as part of efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production. Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, made this call during an inspection of sugar projects across the country. The move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to accelerate the country’s sugar production.

During the inspection, Enoh noted that the scale of infrastructure and level of investment at the BUA Foods sugar project reflect a significant commitment to the objectives of the backward integration programme. He emphasized the need for operators to transition from planning to full production, as mandated by the President. The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Kamar Bakrin.

Enoh stressed the urgent need for accelerated sugarcane development to match factory capacity, highlighting the importance of farm expansion in achieving full operational readiness. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging with serious investors, traditional institutions, and host communities to drive the sugar industry forward.

The BUA Foods sugar factory in Kwara State is a key project in Nigeria’s bid to become self-sufficient in sugar production. The country has been working to reduce its reliance on sugar imports, with the government implementing policies to support the growth of the domestic sugar industry. The backward integration programme, which aims to promote local sugar production, is a crucial part of this effort.

With the government’s renewed focus on the sugar industry, companies like BUA Foods are expected to play a vital role in driving growth and development. The completion of the sugar factory in Kwara State is seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal, and the government’s urging for its expedited completion underscores the importance of this project. As Nigeria continues to work towards self-sufficiency in sugar production, the success of projects like this will be closely watched, both locally and internationally.