FG inspects sugar projects across Nigeria for better reforms

Lucy Ogalue

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, commenced a series of strategic inspections of sugar projects across the country, beginning with the Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO) in Kwara.

Enoh in statement on Thursday, said the inspections were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accelerate Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at fast-tracking investments under the Backward Integration Programme (BIP).

The minister during the visit, toured LASUCO’s integrated sugar complex, including its sugar mill, ethanol plant, power and irrigation infrastructure, as well as over 700 hectares of existing sugarcane cultivation.

The BUA Group-owned project is designed as a 10,000-tonne cane-per-day sugar mill with the capacity to produce up to 220,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar annually when fully operational.

Enoh commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin, for effectively motivating and monitoring BIP operators.

He described the scale of infrastructure and level of investment at LASUCO as a clear demonstration of commitment to the programme’s objectives.

He said the President had mandated him, working closely with the NSDC, to ensure that operators moved decisively from planning to full production.

Enoh emphasised that while progress at the Lafiagi facility was commendable, there was an urgent need to accelerate sugarcane development to match factory capacity.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained engagement with credible investors, traditional institutions and host communities.

The minister said this was crucial as Nigeria intensifies efforts to revitalise the sugar industry, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs and deepen industrial value chains.