By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has expressed commitment to reducing sugar importation by reviving the nation’s sugar value chain and attracting serious investors.
the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, expressed the commitment during a courtesy visit paid on him by a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by Executive Chairman, Sammy Adigun, in Abuja over the weekend.
He described the sugar value chain as a critical sector for boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, given its vast potential and the large number of farmers involved.
The minister assured that the ministry would collaborate with credible investors to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production and reduce import dependence, in line with the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), which is expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
Kyari said the ministry would work with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and other stakeholders to unlock the sector’s potential, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to food and nutrition security.
Adigun, on his part, said Niger Foods Security plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of two million tonnes, aligning with the government’s goal of reducing sugar imports.
He noted that the company previously recorded 60,000 tonnes from just three hectares, a success they hope to expand nationwide with adequate support.