The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has called for greater participation in Nigeria’s sugar industry.
Speaking during a recent meeting with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, the council’s Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, urged farmers and investors to explore the sector, which he described as both promising and well-prepared for expansion.
According to Bakrin, Nigeria’s sugar market is valued at more than two billion dollars, with demand steadily increasing. Across Africa, sugar consumption is expected to drive a production gap of up to 13 million tonnes by the end of the decade.
He noted that the sugar by-products market, which includes items like ethanol and animal feed, is worth an additional ten billion dollars.
To position Nigeria as a major player in this space, the council has secured 150,000 hectares of land for sugarcane farming. These areas were selected based on access to water, suitable climate conditions, security, and local community support.
A major part of the council’s plan is a commercial outgrower scheme. This initiative will allocate 50,000 hectares to smaller farmers operating plots between 50 and 200 hectares. These farms will be located near existing sugar estates in places such as Numan, Bacita, Sunti, and Lafiagi.
As part of efforts to support this push, the council has outlined a package of incentives under its revised development plan. These include access to a dedicated sugar industry development fund, support for land clearing, subsidised seedlings and inputs, and help with mechanisation.
Investors may also benefit from tax relief measures, including a five-year holiday and credits tied to infrastructure development. Additional technical support will come from the Nigerian Sugar Institute.
Bakrin explained that Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar has become less attractive due to foreign exchange pressures and shifting global supply chains.
According to him, local production now offers a more stable and cost-effective option.
The council noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area is an opportunity for Nigeria to become one of the most competitive sugar producers on the continent.
Bakrin emphasised that the council is not just promoting investment but is working to remove the obstacles to the success of agribusinesses.
