Nigeria is making strides towards self-sufficiency in domestic sugar production, according to the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin. The country’s progress is attributed to the successful implementation of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, which has garnered significant interest from stakeholders.
The programme, launched by the NSDC, aims to integrate farmers into the sugar value chain by providing guaranteed offtake arrangements, access to quality seedcane, inputs, and technical support. Bakrin noted that the response to the programme has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants demonstrating a willingness to engage meaningfully. This, he believes, signals growing confidence in efforts to boost local sugar production.
The SODP has moved beyond policy design and is now being implemented in communities near existing sugar estates. To address concerns about planting materials, the NSDC has established dedicated seedcane farms and is utilizing modern bud chip technology through the Nigeria Sugar Institute. This technology can reduce the project development cycle by 12 to 18 months.
The Nigeria Sugar Institute has undergone reforms, repositioning it as a national center of excellence for research, training, and technical capacity building. This is expected to drive Nigeria towards long-term sugar self-sufficiency. Bakrin emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, stating that they should not be left to produce sugarcane in isolation without market certainty or support.
The implementation of the SODP is a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of self-sufficiency in sugar production. As the country continues to make progress, it is likely to reduce its reliance on imported sugar, creating opportunities for economic growth and development. With the NSDC’s efforts to support farmers and drive innovation in the sugar industry, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the global sugar market.
