Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Commits to Accountability and Reforms in Sugar Industry

By
Samuel Anyanwu
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The Hon. Minister of State for Industry, FMITI, Sen John Owan Enoh(middle), The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakri (sixth left), the Chaireman, Golden Sugar Refinery, John Coumantaros (fifth left), the Managing Director, Bua Group, Ayodele Abioye (fourth left) and other stakeholders in a group photograph at the meeting on the backward Integration of sugar production in Abuja.
The Hon. Minister of State for Industry, FMITI, Sen John Owan Enoh(middle), The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakri (sixth left), the Chaireman, Golden Sugar Refinery, John Coumantaros (fifth left), the Managing Director, Bua Group, Ayodele Abioye (fourth left) and other stakeholders in a group photograph at the meeting on the backward Integration of sugar production in Abuja.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). In a high-level stakeholders’ meeting, Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, emphasized the importance of meeting domestic production targets, reducing reliance on sugar imports, and creating jobs.

Key Objectives of the NSMP:

  • Self-Sufficiency in Sugar Production: Achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production by 2033, meeting Nigeria’s annual sugar consumption of 1.7 million metric tons
  • Job Creation: Create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians, boosting economic growth and development
  • Foreign Exchange Conservation: Conserve foreign exchange by reducing sugar imports, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s economic stability
  • Increased Local Production: Ramp up local raw sugar production and reduce dependence on imports, promoting industrialization and economic diversification

Reforms and Enforcement:

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 infractions
  • Stricter Enforcement: Impose penalties for non-compliance, similar to the cement sector’s backward integration program

Investment and Growth:

The NSMP has garnered significant interest from investors, with a Chinese conglomerate, SINOMACH, pledging to invest $1 billion in Nigeria’s sugar industry. The Minister of State for Industry noted that $4.5 billion is needed to achieve the sugar master plan’s objectives, which includes expanding sugarcane production, establishing factories, and creating jobs

Industry Support:

Industry players, including Golden Sugar and BUA Foods, have pledged to expand operations and invest in additional projects, supporting the government’s efforts to boost sugar production and achieve self-sufficiency.

Signed

Dr Adebayo Thomas
Director Press & Public Relations
26th June, 2025
bayo_thomas@yahoo.com
+234(0)8037863662

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