The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has assured of its readiness to revitalise the sugar value chain, expand sugar cane production and reduce the cost of importation to create job opportunities.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this during a courtesy visit by the delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun.
Kyari said that the ministry would partner with credible investors to achieve self – sufficiency in sugar production and reduce importation, which is in line with the National Sugar Master Plan.
He stated that the initiative would create a favourable investment environment, attract both domestic and international capital in the sugar sub sector, and galvanise the agricultural ecosystem.
He revealed that the Ministry would work closely with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and critical stakeholders to unlock the potential in the sugar value chains.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration Renewed Hope Agenda in the agricultural sector, which is geared towards achieving food and nutrition security.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullah, stated that the revitalisation of the sugar sub sector would create more jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth farmers.
“Niger Foods plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of two million tonnes, aligning with the Federal Government’s vision of reducing the nation’s dependence on sugar imports. Last year, the company successfully recorded 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just three hectares, a feat it believes can be expanded nationwide with adequate support.
“250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger state for sugarcane cultivation, which would require an estimated $3 billion investment in sugar plants. This initiative is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain,” the Executive Chairman, Niger Foods Security, Mr. Sammy Adigun, stated during his presentation.
Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd is a public-private partnership (PPP), partly owned by the Niger State Government, with focus on enhancing agriculture and promoting food security in the state.