Government seeks faster execution of sugar master plan, pledges support for long-term financing to boost local production….
The Federal Government has directed Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) to ramp up its annual production capacity to 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030, as part of renewed efforts to narrow Nigeria’s widening sugar supply deficit.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, during an inspection visit to the company’s facility in Numan, Adamawa State. The visit formed part of ongoing nationwide assessments of sugar development projects under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.
The delegation included Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), in line with the government’s push to accelerate self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Nigeria currently consumes about 1.8 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, a level far above domestic production capacity, a shortfall authorities say must be urgently addressed to reduce import dependence and strengthen food security.
FG says Dangote Sugar central to sector’s future
Speaking during the visit, Enoh described Dangote Sugar as a key driver of Nigeria’s sugar industry, noting that the company’s expansion plans are critical to achieving national production targets.
“DSR is a very big player in the industry. Our circumstances in this sector will continue to depend on what DSR does,” the minister said.
He stressed that the company must not only achieve the 600,000MT target by 2030, but also sustain output levels over time to ensure long-term stability in supply.
According to him, discussions around the sugar sector have featured prominently at Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu repeatedly emphasizing the need to strengthen local production and reduce import reliance.
Government pushes for faster implementation of sugar master plan
Enoh said while progress has been recorded under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, implementation must be significantly accelerated to meet national demand.
He noted that one of the biggest constraints facing operators is access to affordable long-term financing, often referred to as “patient capital,” which is essential for large-scale agro-industrial expansion.
“The programme is on course, but it needs to be accelerated much more,” he said.
“We are aware that there are issues that remain nagging, and one of them is affordable long-term finance. We are looking at how government can support operators to raise the required capital.”
The minister added that government is exploring ways to support industry players in accessing financing needed to expand plantation development, processing capacity, and logistics infrastructure.
He also commended the NSDC for its regulatory oversight and praised Dangote Sugar for ongoing investments, including a 6,000 tonnes-per-day processing facility observed during the inspection.
Dangote Group reaffirms expansion commitment
Responding on behalf of the company, Olakunle Alake, Vice President of the Dangote Group, said Dangote Sugar remains fully committed to scaling production capacity and achieving the 600,000MT target by 2030.
He said the company would continue expanding investments across the value chain, including sugarcane plantations, processing infrastructure, and supporting logistics systems.
During the inspection tour, the delegation assessed ongoing expansion works at the refinery, including sugarcane fields, haulage operations, milling units, boilers, evaporators, and packaging facilities.
Push for self-sufficiency amid rising import dependence
The renewed focus on domestic production underscores government efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported sugar and strengthen local value addition under the backward integration policy.
Authorities say achieving scale in domestic production will require stronger private sector participation, sustained policy support, and improved access to long-term financing to bridge the country’s production-consumption gap.
If successful, the expansion drive is expected to position Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in sugar production while boosting agro-industrial investment and job creation across the value chain.
