The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has assured of its readiness to embark on the revitalization of the sugar value chain, expand sugar cane production and reduce the cost of importation as well as create jobs.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who spoke during a courtesy visit by the delegation from Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Ltd, led by its Executive Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun, said at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, that the Ministry would partner with credible investors to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production and reduce importation, which is in line with the National Sugar Master Plan.
Senator Kyari stated that the initiative would create a favourable investment environment, attract both domestic and international capital in the sugar sub sector, and galvanize the agricultural ecosystem.
He revealed that the Ministry would work closely with the National Sugar Development Council and critical stakeholders to unlock the potential in the sugar value chains.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration Renewed Hope Agenda in the Agricultural sector, which is geared towards achieving food and nutrition security
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Secuirty, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullah stated that the revitalization of the sugar sub sector would create more jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth farmers.
During his presentation, the Executive Chairman, Niger Foods Security, Mr. Sammy Adigun stated that ‘’Niger Foods plans to cultivate 50,000 hectares of sugarcane with a target output of 2 million tonnes, aligning with the Federal Government’s vision of reducing the nation’s dependence on sugar imports.
He added that ‘’ Last year, the company successfully recorded 60,000 tonnes of sugarcane from just 3 hectares, a feat it believes can be expanded nationwide with adequate support’’
Mr. Adigun revealed that ‘’ 250,000 hectares of land have been secured in Niger State for sugarcane cultivation, which will require an estimated $3 billion investment in sugar plants. This initiative is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain’’.
Niger Foods Security systems and logistics Company Ltd is a Public – Private Partnership ,Partly owned by the Niger State Government , with Focus on enhancing Agriculture and Promoting Food Security in the State.
