Nigeria: FG Woos Investors for 150,000-Hectare Sugar Production

By Philip Shimnom Clement

The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has called on members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other potential investors to seize the immense opportunities currently available in Nigeria's sugar sector, adding that 150,000 hectares is currently available for sugar production.

Addressing the farmers who paid him a courtesy call in his office, Mr. Bakrin called on stakeholders to key into the national push to reduce the country's over-dependence on imported raw sugar and its by-products.

According to the NSDC boss, local production of sugar is not just a strategic economic imperative but a profitable venture with an assured market, attractive returns, and strong government backing.

"This is the right time to invest. The Nigerian sugar market is currently valued at over $2 billion, that of Africa is $7bn and the continental deficit will rise to 13 MT in 2030 due to rising demand and regional supply gaps. The market for sugar by-products is worth $10bn," Mr. Bakrin said.

He noted that the country's sugar consumption figures, foreign exchange realities and rising global supply chain uncertainties have made investments in local production more profitable than ever before.

Bakrin informed the gathering that after a robust land viability assessment, the Council is now in possession of a land bank of 150,000 ha that is suitable for sugarcane cultivation and available to new investors. The hectares of land, he said, lie in secure regions with favourable climate, proximity to water sources, and community support.

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