Nigeria is taking a major step toward ending its dependence on imported sugar. The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has graduated the country’s first-ever sugar specialists, a milestone expected to accelerate efforts to achieve an annual production target of two million metric tonnes under the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0.
The pioneer programme, conducted at the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Ilorin, was designed to equip a new generation of technical experts with the skills needed to improve sugarcane farming, increase factory efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s entire sugar value chain.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, NSDC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Kamar Bakrin, said developing highly skilled professionals is essential to transforming Nigeria into a self-sufficient sugar-producing nation.
According to Bakrin, the National Sugar Master Plan 2.0 prioritises critical areas such as land preparation, irrigation systems, high-yield seed cane production and modern factory operations to improve productivity and reduce reliance on sugar imports.
“Neither field productivity nor factory efficiency alone can deliver the transformation we seek. Achieving sustainable growth requires excellence across the entire value chain,” he said.
The first batch of the programme graduated 39 professionals after intensive residential training held between June 29 and July 3. A second cohort of 41 participants is scheduled to begin training on July 13.
Participants received practical and classroom instruction in sugarcane biology, variety selection, irrigation management, crop productivity, yield optimisation and industrial sugar processing. The programme also introduced practical “Cane Clinics,” where trainees analysed real farm challenges and developed solutions alongside industry experts.
The NSDC said participants were drawn from leading sugar companies, including Dangote Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar and Progressive Farmers’ Groups.
By investing in skilled manpower through the National Sugar Development Council’s training programme, Nigeria aims to build a competitive sugar industry capable of meeting domestic demand, supporting industrial growth and driving long-term economic diversification.
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