FG to Revive Sugar Value Chain, Reduce Importation Costs
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has affirmed its readiness to revitalize the sugar value chain, expand sugar cane production, reduce importation cost while also creating jobs for women and youth
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made the disclosure when a delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja recently
He stated that the Ministry would partner with credible investors to achieve self – sufficiency in sugar production and reduce importation in accordance with the National Sugar Master Plan.
According to him, the initiative would create a favourable investment environment, attract both domestic and international capital in the sugar sub sector, and galvanize the agricultural ecosystem.
In a statement issued by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Ministry’s Head of Information, Kyari disclosed that the Ministry would work closely with the National Sugar Development Council and critical stakeholders to unlock the potential in the sugar value chains.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration’s 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 noted that the revitalization of the sugar sub sector would create more jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth
During his presentation, the Executive Chairman, Niger Foods Security, Mr. Sammy Adigun stated that ‘’Niger Foods plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of 2 million tonnes, aligning with the Federal Government’s vision of reducing the nation’s dependence on sugar imports.”
Last year, he added, ‘’the company successfully recorded 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just 3 hectares,’ a feat he believes can be expanded nationwide with adequate support
“250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger State for sugarcane cultivation, which will 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’’.Mr. Adigun said
Niger Foods Security systems and logistics Company Ltd is a Public – Private Partnership partly owned by the Niger State Government, with Focus on enhancing Agriculture and Promoting Food Security in the State.
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