The Nigerian government has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a key initiative aimed at boosting local sugar production and reducing the country’s reliance on imports. Unveiled by the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), the programme forms a major component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and seeks to promote inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
According to NSDC Executive Secretary Kamar Bakrin, the SODP is designed to scale up local sugarcane production, stimulate economic growth, and create opportunities for smallholder farmers to integrate into the industry’s supply chain. The initiative will complement the output of existing large‑scale sugar estates and help bridge the national supply gap.
The programme will engage three categories of farmers: agribusinesses and commercial farmers, farming cooperatives, and individual farmers or groups willing to jointly farm clusters of land. NSDC Head of Out‑Grower Management Lade Offurum explained that the SODP will provide a structured framework for outgrower development, formally integrating farmers into the national sugar value chain for the first time.
The SODP is set to close on 21 November 2025 and forms part of the government’s broader effort to drive Nigeria toward self‑sufficiency in sugar production. By promoting local production and reducing reliance on imported sugar, the programme is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s sugar industry, rural communities, and the broader economy. Its success will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and observers as Nigeria works toward its sugar production goals and sustainable development in the sector.
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