Nigeria’s National Sugar Development Council is driving the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in sugar production through greenfield sugar projects. The council’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kamar Bakrin, recently discussed the impact of these projects and the council’s efforts to increase output and investment in the sector.
Greenfield sugar projects are central to closing Nigeria’s domestic sugar production gap, with four promoters having signed Memoranda of Understanding to invest in the sector. These projects, which will be fully integrated operations combining large-scale sugarcane cultivation with modern processing facilities, are expected to add about 400,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually. The projects are spread across the South-West, North-Central, and North-East regions, allowing Nigeria to leverage diverse agro-climatic advantages while ensuring that economic benefits are widely shared.
One of the projects, GNAL Sugar, is planned for Taraba State and is progressing steadily. The project has moved beyond initial interest, with several local government areas identified for cultivation and processing. The council has established dedicated seedcane farms to support greenfield projects, creating a reliable local supply and reducing dependence on imports. Additionally, the Nigeria Sugar Institute is deploying pre-sprouted bud set technology to improve the quality and availability of planting materials.
The Nigeria Sugar Institute, a national institution established as the research, training, and technical backbone of the sugar industry, has undergone reforms to strengthen its governance and operating frameworks. The institute has been repositioned as a national hub for practical, industry-focused training and is supporting industry operators through targeted training and technical services.
The Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, recently launched to attract more farmers into the sugar value chain, has received positive feedback. The programme introduces a clear and structured national framework that integrates farmers into Nigeria’s sugar value chain in a coordinated and sustainable manner. Participating farmers are directly linked to licensed sugar processors through guaranteed offtake arrangements and receive access to quality seedcane, essential inputs, and hands-on technical support.
The council has also entered into a $1bn investment agreement with SINOMACH, which represents a significant partnership for the sector. The agreement will unlock the capacity to produce up to 500,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, bring approximately 75,000 hectares under sugarcane cultivation, and add about 50,000 tonnes-per-day in factory processing capacity. The partnership is expected to strengthen domestic sugar production, reduce reliance on imports, conserve foreign exchange, and catalyse large-scale job creation.
Overall, the National Sugar Development Council is making significant progress in driving Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in sugar production. With the implementation of greenfield sugar projects, the establishment of dedicated seedcane farms, and the launch of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, the council is taking concrete steps to increase output and investment in the sector. The partnership with SINOMACH is also expected to have a transformative impact on the industry, and the council is confident about delivery timelines.
