The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) is actively exploring strategies to reduce sugar importation in Nigeria, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency, job creation, and economic growth in the sector, reported Tribuneonlineng.
During a courtesy visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, NSDC Executive Secretary, and Mr. Kamar Bakrin, emphasized the potential of the nation’s sugar sector to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs for the youth population.
The NSDC seeks support from Governor Sule, who serves as the Chairman of the Forum of Governors of Sugar Producing States, to enhance the implementation of the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP), particularly the Backward Integration Plan (BIP) component.
Bakrin highlighted Nasarawa State’s strategic importance in achieving Nigeria’s sugar sector aspirations, including industry development, job creation, electricity generation, ethanol production, and self-sufficiency in sugar production. He stressed the need for collaboration to harness the massive potential for sugar production in the state.
Addressing the governor, Bakrin emphasised the importance of the sugar sector’s development in creating jobs for youth, reducing the country’s expenditure on sugar imports, and exploring the potential for ethanol production and bagasse for electricity generation.
Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed congratulations on Bakrin’s recent appointment and pledged full support for the NSDC’s efforts. He recalled working with the NSDC on the development of the NSMP and BIP but expressed concerns about the inadequate implementation and lack of consequences for non-compliance by operators.
