NSDC mobilises $1bn investment pipeline, tightens enforcement

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) is mobilising a $1bn investment pipeline to accelerate Nigeria's drive towards sugar self-sufficiency. The council has partnered with SINOMACH of China, securing a $1bn engineering, procurement and construction-plus-finance agreement. Additionally, a N10bn Sugar Project Acceleration Fund was established with the Bank of Industry.

NSDC Executive Secretary Kamar Bakrin stated that Nigeria consumes about 1.8 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, with $1bn flowing to foreign producers each year. He emphasized the need for world-class execution rather than lack of policy, describing the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan 2.0 as an "acceleration mandate." The plan aims to produce two million metric tonnes of sugar locally while expanding the potential uses of sugarcane, including ethanol, animal feed, and electricity generation.

The council is employing a four-principle enforcement framework: qualify, reward, verify, and enforce. They are leveraging satellite imagery and field inspections to independently verify sugar production sites. The NSDC is also focusing on smallholder farmers through the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme, aiming to make farmers co-owners of the sector's growth.