The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group have taken a major step toward setting up a sugar production facility in Taraba State.
NSDC Executive Secretary and CEO, Kamar Bakrin, led a delegation of Council officials and Lee Group representatives to Jalingo to seek the support of Governor Agbu Kefas and the state government for the proposed multi-million-dollar project, reports The Guardian
Bakrin told the governor and other state officials that the team was in Taraba to assess opportunities for a major sugar investment that is vital to NigeriaтАЩs drive for self-sufficiency in sugar production.
He explained that the CouncilтАЩs core responsibilities include building capacity in the industry through training, extension support, and sugarcane research, as well as helping investors with financing, feasibility work, and land acquisition for sugar projects.
тАЬSugar plays a major role in economies around the world and supports millions of livelihoods,тАЭ Bakrin said, adding that sugar estates are usually located in rural communities where they naturally support development and remain environmentally safe. He said sugar cultivation can also support environmental sustainability.
Bakrin noted that a nationwide survey by the Council identified about 1.2 million hectares of land suitable for sugar development, with Taraba among the most strategic.
тАЬTaraba has met all our technical and environmental requirements. We see it as one of the most promising locations for sugar investment in the country. The Lee Group, through its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, has also met our criteria as a capable and reliable investor,тАЭ he said.
Lee GroupтАЩs Project Director, Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, also briefed the governor on the companyтАЩs plan to establish the large-scale sugar project in Taraba.
He said the state had тАЬremarkable opportunities for farming and industry,тАЭ noting that the investment would support both state and national economic goals.
тАЬWe have not come only to share a proposal тАФ we have come to build a partnership that will last. This project will boost the stateтАЩs revenue, create many jobs, support local businesses, and benefit farmers through an inclusive out-grower programme,тАЭ he said.
Wilkins added that the Lee Group has been active in Nigeria for more than 60 years with a strong record in manufacturing, training, and agriculture.
