The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has called on interested farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in its Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP). The initiative is aimed at boosting local sugarcane production and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar.
According to the NSDC, the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme is a vital part of the National Sugar Master Plan II, which seeks to achieve 70 percent self-sufficiency in sugar production. The Council said the programme will help strengthen the sugar value chain by integrating outgrower farmers to complement existing large sugar estates.
The SODP is designed to empower farmers and rural communities by providing smallholders and commercial farms with access to training, resources, and financial support. “It will also promote sustainable agriculture through efficient land use and modern irrigation techniques.”
The NSDC, which operates under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said selected participants would manage sugarcane farms across designated locations in Nigeria. Participants will sign a six-year off-take agreement with the NSDC and designated off-takers for guaranteed market access and fair pricing.
Under the programme, agribusinesses are expected to cultivate a minimum of 50 hectares, cooperatives a minimum of 30 hectares, and individual farmers up to 30 hectares. All participants must meet production goals of at least 100 metric tonnes of cane per hectare with a minimum sucrose content of 8 percent.
The NSDC said all applicants must have the financial capacity to operate and submit relevant documents showing experience in farming or agricultural production. “Financial capacity is mandatory for all categories,” the Council noted.
Individual farmers must show proof of land ownership or lease, valid identification, and a record of past farming activities. Cooperatives are to submit registration certificates, leadership structures, technical proposals, and evidence of previous crop production. Agribusinesses must provide incorporation documents, technical and financial reports, company profiles, and audited accounts.
Submissions will be evaluated based on technical competence, experience, financial strength, compliance with regulations, and innovative value addition.
The NSDC emphasized that applications must be submitted online only through the official website before Friday, November 21, 2025. “Hard copy or email submissions will not be accepted,” it stated.
The Council advised that all documents must be arranged and paginated in PDF format. “Submission of EOI does not constitute a contract offer,” the statement said. For inquiries, interested participants can contact the NSDC via commercialoutgrower@nsdc.gov.ng or call 0707 353 6567 and 0707 394 9998.
