Nigerian sugar master plan gains traction 12 yrs after set up
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has revamped the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) to improve local sugar production and the entire value chain in Nigeria. Under new leadership, the NSMP aims to secure $5 billion in funding, enhance research capabilities, and enforce compliance among industry operators. Key projects for 2025 include expanding sugarcane production, establishing a Sugar Industry Development Fund, and increasing land availability for sugar estates. The NSDC is focusing on making Nigeria a competitive producer in Africa.
Designed by the National Sugar Development Council, NSDC, to spur local production of sugar and the development of the entire value chain for self-sufficiency, the NSMP had performed poorly since it was set up in 2012, especially in the area of backward integration.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos at the weekend, the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said a new lease of life has now been given to the NSMP adding that the new management team led by him has laid the foundation for rapid growth in the sugar sector.
According to him, since he assumed office a year ago the team has revised the NSMP which is the engine room of the NSDC.
Under the implementation of the new NSMP, he said a development plan requiring about $5billion funding has kicked started.
The new NSDC is also revamping the Nigeria Sugar Institute for development of required manpower and research that would make the industry globally competitive.
He also said the Council has transformed its project monitoring function to have better grip on industry operators ensuring they stay on track and adhere to rules.
Already the key operators in the sector who had in times past, gotten away with flouting Federal Government’s directives especially regarding conditions for incentives they get, have been sanctioned.
Under the revised NSMP which the Council has already started implementing, a seven point strategic pillars has been set to drive the objective of self sufficiency in production while making Nigeria a competitive producer and the Africa’s cost leader.
Bakrin said 2025 has been designated the year of ‘accelerated development’ for the Council running on four development agenda which includes accelerated project development, facilitation of the $5billion investment into the sector, creating investment readiness of priority green field projects facilitation, and strengthening NSDC’s capacity to develop the sector.
Key projects planned for 2025 includes execution of a Commercial Farming and Outgrowers Program to accelerate sugarcane production; Establishment of the Nigeria Sugar Industry Development Fund; Implementation of a Seed Production Program targeted at the immediate and medium term needs of the sugar projects; Undertaking of a local and international investment promotion program; Provision of targeted interventions to derisk greenfield projects such as support project design, provide land clearing support, project design and business plans.
The Council also intends to partner with service providers to build operator capacity in farm mechanization in 2025.
According to Bakrin also listed key projects to be executed in 2025 which includes increasing the landbank by a minimum of 80,000 hectares of suitable land for the development of sugar estates; Partnering with successful Sugar Institutes to deliver services to the industry and transform the Council’s Research and Development capacity; and Providing targeted and industry-specific capacity building for its staff.
Source Link : https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/nigerian-sugar-master-plan-gains-traction-12-yrs-after-set-up/
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