Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced new plans to expand sugarcane production in Nigeria following a meeting between the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, and a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun.
At the meeting, Niger Foods outlined a plan to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a projected output of 2 million tonnes. According to Mr. Adigun, “Last year, we successfully recorded 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just 3 hectares, and we believe this can be scaled nationwide with adequate support.” The initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s vision of reducing the country’s heavy reliance on sugar imports.
Mr. Adigun also disclosed that 250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger State for large-scale cultivation, which will require an estimated $3 billion investment in sugar plants. He explained that the project would provide thousands of jobs and boost Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain.
Currently, Nigeria imports around 2 million tonnes of raw sugar annually at an import value of $1 billion, with the local market valued at over $2.5 billion. The delegation noted that beyond sugar production, the emerging ethanol market presents new opportunities for energy diversification and industrial growth.
Senator Kyari assured the investors of government’s readiness to support the initiative. “The Ministry is committed to working with credible partners to drive the national sugar master plan and improve food security,” he said. He further added that collaboration with institutions such as the National Sugar Development Council will help unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s sugar value chain.