President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the funds worth US$ 73 million intervention fund for irrigation, to uplift the sugar industry in the Nigeria.
As per the media reports, the federal government and the operators of the Sugar backward irrigation programme have signed an agreement in this regard on December 21, 2021.
Niyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment said, “The funds will be spent for development of irrigation infrastructure on 10,000 hectares of sugar plantation spread over six sites namely in Numan (Adamawa State), Sumti (Niger State), Lafiagi (Kwara), Bacita (Kwara) and Toto and Tunga (both located in Nasarawa state).
“We have set an aim to increase sugar output in Nigeria to make our country self-sufficient in sugar production. The Central Bank of Nigeria is also involved in this project,” he further added.
Zacch Adedeji, Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) said, the government is intervening to provide the platform of private investment to tap the resources and increase sugar output in the country.
