The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, has reiterated the strategic importance of Nigeria’s sugar sector in realizing President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
Enoh made this statement during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry, focused on amending the Establishment Act of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
According to a statement made available on Sunday, the minister cited recent discussions at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, during which President Tinubu highlighted the critical role of the sugar industry.
“About two weeks ago, the president spoke about sugar at the FEC meeting. That in itself reflects the importance of sugar as a strategic industrial and domestic product that no country should take lightly — and Nigeria should be no exception,” Enoh said.
He stressed that the sector must contribute meaningfully to job creation and rural development as part of the national economic transformation agenda.
NSDC Warns Against Diverting Sector Funds
Speaking at the hearing, the Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, underscored the potential of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) to save over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually while fostering employment and rural economic growth.
“We require about $4.5 billion in investments to fully achieve the NSMP’s objectives,” Bakrin said.
“Investor confidence is crucial, and this can only be attained through transparent and rule-based policies.”
Bakrin warned that a recent directive requiring 50 per cent of the sugar levy to be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund could derail progress.
“The sugar levy was not intended as a general revenue-generating mechanism but as a dedicated fund to support the sector’s growth,” he noted.
“Redirecting it threatens to defeat its original purpose.”
He also explained that the proposed legislative amendments seek to strengthen the council’s authority and align its financial operations with constitutional standards.
Stakeholders Call for Clearer Policy, Regulatory Boundaries
Representing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Iba Edward cautioned against regulatory overlap in the bill, urging lawmakers to define responsibilities clearly.
“Some proposed provisions encroach on NAFDAC’s core responsibilities under Section 5 of our Act. We urge lawmakers to clearly define roles to avoid duplication,” she stated.
Industry Players Advocate Policy Stability
Former Minister Aliyu Idi Hong, representing BUA Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sugar development. He revealed that BUA has developed a 50,000-hectare plantation, with 20,000 hectares currently under cultivation.
He emphasised the need for policy consistency to attract and retain long-term investments.
Similarly, Onome Okurah, Head of Government and Community Relations at Flour Mills of Nigeria, shared the achievements of the Golden Sugar Company in Sunti, Niger State.
He disclosed that the company cultivates over 6,000 hectares and sustains production for four months annually. “With stronger partnerships, we expect tangible results in the coming years,” Okurah said.
Legislative Commitment to Reform
Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru, assured stakeholders of an inclusive amendment process that would strengthen the NSDC’s mandate and advance the goals of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.
