Nigeria targets sugar self-sufficiency with $1 billion pipeline, N10 billion fund

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) in Nigeria is pursuing sugar self-sufficiency through a $1 billion investment partnership and a N10 billion project acceleration fund. Executive Secretary Kamar Bakrin stated this during a visit by the Abuja Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Directors. Nigeria currently consumes 1.8 million tonnes of sugar annually, spending $1 billion on imports.

The NSMP 2.0 aims to increase domestic production to 2 million tonnes, eliminating the need for imports. To monitor compliance, the NSDC will use satellite imagery and field inspections. A recently launched N10 billion Sugar Project Acceleration Fund, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, will finance feasibility studies, project preparation, and other pre-investment activities.

The NSDC is also seeking support from Afreximbank and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to develop sugar estates nationwide. Sugarcane, beyond sugar production, can be processed into ethanol, animal feed, and electricity, making it crucial for Nigeria's bio-industrialisation agenda. The Council prioritizes smallholder farmers and host communities through the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, requiring sugar estates to allocate land for outgrowers and invest in community development.

The NSDC and Bank of Industry have launched the N10 billion fund to support greenfield sugar projects across Nigeria, providing technical, financial, and advisory support to project developers. This initiative complements government efforts to strengthen agricultural production and food security.