There are indications that the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) has been revitalized after approximately 12 years of underperformance since its establishment. The NSMP, designed by the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) to boost local sugar production and develop the entire value chain for self-sufficiency, has struggled, particularly in the area of backward integration, since its inception in 2012.
During a press briefing in Lagos over the weekend, Kamar Bakrin, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, announced that a new lease of life has been given to the NSMP. He highlighted that the new management team, under his leadership, has laid a solid foundation for rapid growth in the sugar sector.
Since taking office a year ago, Bakrin revealed that the team has revised the NSMP, which he described as the engine room of the NSDC. He stated that the implementation of the new NSMP has begun, with a development plan that requires about $5 billion in funding.
The revamped NSDC is also focused on improving the Nigeria Sugar Institute to enhance manpower development and research, ensuring the industry remains globally competitive. Bakrin noted that the Council has transformed its project monitoring function, allowing for better oversight of industry operators to ensure compliance with regulations.
Key operators in the sector who have previously disregarded Federal Government directives concerning incentives have already faced sanctions. Under the revised NSMP, a seven-point strategic pillar has been established to drive the goal of self-sufficiency in production and position Nigeria as a competitive producer and cost leader in Africa.
Bakrin designated 2025 as the year of “accelerated development” for the Council, highlighting four development agendas: accelerating project development, facilitating the $5 billion investment in the sector, preparing priority greenfield projects for investment, and strengthening the NSDC’s capacity to develop the industry.
Key projects planned for 2025 include the execution of a Commercial Farming and Outgrowers Program to boost sugarcane production, the establishment of the Nigeria Sugar Industry Development Fund, the implementation of a Seed Production Program to address immediate and medium-term needs, and a local and international investment promotion initiative. The Council also aims to provide targeted interventions to mitigate risks associated with greenfield projects, including support for project design, land clearing, and business planning.
Additionally, Bakrin outlined plans for increasing the land bank by a minimum of 80,000 hectares suitable for sugar estate development, partnering with successful sugar institutes to enhance services for the industry, and providing targeted capacity building for staff in 2025.
