S1BN NIGERIA-CHINA DEAL ESSENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING SUGAR SELF-SUFFICIENCY — NSDC BOSS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has highlighted the transformative potential of Nigeria’s $1 billion sugar investment agreement with China, describing it as pivotal to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Speaking in an interview, Bakrin emphasized that the Federal Government’s Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) and other strategic interventions are designed to make Nigeria not just self-reliant, but eventually a net exporter of sugar.
“The response from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bakrin said. “SODP introduces a structured national framework integrating farmers—large agribusinesses, cooperatives, and smallholders—into the sugar value chain with guaranteed offtake, access to quality seedcane, inputs, and technical support.”
The program has already seen strong uptake, particularly in communities near existing sugar estates, and is now firmly in the implementation phase.
Bakrin described the $1 billion deal with Chinese conglomerate SINOMACH as a landmark partnership combining engineering, procurement, construction, and development financing. “This agreement will enable the production of up to 500,000 metric tons of sugar annually, expand sugarcane cultivation to 75,000 hectares, and add approximately 50,000 tons per day in processing capacity,” he said.
He noted that the project will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and set the country on a sustainable path to long-term self-sufficiency.
On the rollout strategy, Bakrin explained that NSDC has focused on addressing key bottlenecks such as land access, regulatory approvals, and community engagement, ensuring projects are ready for execution without delays.
Greenfield projects are central to NSDC’s plan. Four recently signed Memoranda of Understanding with credible investors are expected to collectively add around 400,000 metric tons of sugar annually, spread across the southwest, north-central, and northeast regions.
Bakrin also highlighted GNAL Sugar, a greenfield project in Taraba State. “Taraba was selected for its extensive land availability, reliable water resources, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and strong government support. The project is now moving into active site selection, land access, and preparatory work,” he said.
Addressing the challenge of quality planting materials, Bakrin said NSDC has established dedicated seedcane farms and introduced advanced bud-chip technology to ensure a scalable, disease-free supply for greenfield projects.
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He further clarified the institutional status of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), describing it as a national center of excellence under NSDC’s strategic oversight. “NSI provides research, training, seedcane propagation, and technical support for the entire industry,” he said.
Under his leadership, NSI has undergone a comprehensive reform, strengthening governance, upgrading staff capacity, and delivering industry-focused training programs, including field-to-factory training at Sunti Golden Sugar Estate and BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations.
“These reforms have transformed NSI into a functional, industry-facing institution,” Bakrin said, “laying a strong foundation for Nigeria’s long-term drive toward self-sufficiency and competitiveness in sugar production.”
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