…cites infractions, underperformance in domestic sugar production
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through the full implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), as it seeks to mobilise $4.5 billion in investments to meet national consumption needs and boost industrial growth.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, emphasised that the plan is critical to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on sugar imports, conserving foreign exchange, creating jobs, and accelerating industrialisation.
According to the minister, the NSMP aims to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production by 2033, targeting the country’s annual demand of 1.7 million metric tons of sugar. He also noted that over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created through the plan’s successful execution.
To reach these targets, the government estimates a funding requirement of $4.5 billion to expand sugarcane production, establish modern processing factories, and scale up related infrastructure.
He noted that the plan has already attracted significant interest from local and international investors. Notably, Chinese conglomerate SINOMACH has pledged to invest $1 billion in Nigeria’s sugar industry, a move expected to catalyse additional foreign direct investment.
According to Enoh, Major local players, including Golden Sugar and BUA Foods, have also expressed commitment to expanding their operations and undertaking new projects in support of the NSMP’s objectives.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has also pledged to strengthen oversight and improve accountability in the sugar sector. Citing infractions such as underperformance in domestic sugar production and abuses linked to free trade zones, the Ministry announced a range of measures to ensure transparency and compliance.
These include nationwide on-ground verification visits to project sites to validate performance claims, quarterly performance reviews, and the imposition of sanctions for non-compliance, drawing parallels with enforcement mechanisms used in Nigeria’s cement sector backwards integration program.
In a statement signed by Adebayo Thomas, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, the government reiterated that the sugar master plan remains central to Nigeria’s broader strategy for economic diversification and sustainable development.
“The Ministry has called for improved oversight and accountability in Nigeria’s sugar sector, citing infractions related to free trade zone abuse and underperformance in domestic sugar production. Key measures include.
“On-ground Verification: Conduct nationwide visits to project sites to verify performance claims and enhance transparency.
“Quarterly Performance Reviews: Conduct regular reviews to ensure accountability and address past infractio.ns Stricter Enforcement: Impose penalties for non-compliance, similar to the cement sector backwards integration program.”
