The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, has emphasised the strategic importance of Nigeria’s sugar sector in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy.
According to a statement obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, Enoh stated this during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry, held as part of efforts to amend the Establishment Act of the National Sugar Development Council.
Addressing stakeholders, the Minister shared insights from a recent Federal Executive Council meeting, highlighting President Tinubu’s recognition of the sector’s potential.
“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.
“The sugar sector has a significant role to play in the President’s commitment to a $1 trillion economy.
“Our approach must ensure it contributes effectively to job creation and rural economic development,” he stated.
Echoing this, the Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, stressed that full implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan could save the nation over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually.
He noted the plan’s potential to drive employment, attract large-scale investment, and stimulate rural development.
Bakrin explained that the proposed legislative amendments aim to redefine the council’s powers and align its financial structure with the 1999 Constitution.
He stressed the necessity of robust investor confidence to realise the NSMP’s vision.
“We require about $4.5 billion in investments to fully achieve the NSMP’s objectives,” he said.
“Investor confidence is therefore crucial, and this can only be attained through transparent and rule-based policies,” he added.
However, he expressed concern over a recent government directive mandating that 50 per cent of the sugar levy be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, warning that such a move could undermine sectoral progress.
“The sugar levy was not intended as a general revenue-generating mechanism but as a dedicated fund to support the sector’s growth.
“Redirecting it threatens to defeat its original purpose,” Bakrin cautioned.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, represented by Iba Edward, acknowledged the bill’s intent but cautioned against regulatory overlaps.
“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.
Aliyu Idi Hong, a former minister representing BUA Group, highlighted the company’s commitment to sugar development, citing a 50,000-hectare plantation, with 20,000 hectares currently under cultivation.
He stressed the importance of policy stability to sustain investor interest.
Similarly, Mr Onome Okurah, Head of Government and Community Relations at Flour Mills of Nigeria, owners of the Golden Sugar Company in Sunti, Niger State, shared ongoing efforts to boost local production.
He noted that GSC cultivates over 6,000 hectares and currently sustains sugar production for four months each year.
“With stronger partnerships, we expect tangible results in the coming years,” he stated.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee, Enitan Dolapo Badru, assured all stakeholders that the amendment process would be inclusive and aimed at empowering the NSDC to fulfil its mandate effectively.
