By Sanni Marvelous
The Federal Government has announced plans to revitalise the sugar value chain, expand sugarcane production, and cut down on import costs as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food security and create jobs.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun, at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.
He said the ministry would partner with credible investors to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production in line with the National Sugar Master Plan.
“The initiative would create a favourable investment environment, attract both domestic and international capital in the sugar sub sector, and galvanize the agricultural ecosystem,” Kyari said.
He added that the ministry would work closely with the National Sugar Development Council and other stakeholders to unlock opportunities within the sugar value chain.
Kyari reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to transforming agriculture to achieve food and nutrition security.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullah, stressed that revitalising the sugar sub-sector would generate more jobs, particularly for women and youth farmers.
The private sector is also aligning with the federal government’s drive. Mr. Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, announced that the company plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of 2 million tonnes. According to him, this would support the government’s goal of reducing dependence on sugar imports.
“Last year, the company successfully recorded 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just 3 hectares, a feat it believes can be expanded nationwide with adequate support,” Adigun said.
He further revealed that “250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger State for sugarcane cultivation, which will require an estimated $3 billion investment in sugar plants. This initiative is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain.”
Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, a public-private partnership partly owned by the Niger State Government, focuses on enhancing agriculture and promoting food security in the state.
