The Federal Government has unveiled a $7.1bn investment plan to raise Nigeria’s sugar production to more than two million tonnes within 10 years, as it intensifies efforts to reduce dependence on imports.
The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin, said the plan covered 13 projects, including the expansion of existing sugar estates, development of new facilities, improved sugarcane farming and access to long-term financing.
Under the funding arrangement, $5bn is expected from long-term loans and development finance institutions, while private investors are to contribute the remaining $2.1bn.
Bakrin also disclosed that the financing strategy included a $1bn agreement with Chinese firm Sinoma and a ₦10bn Sugar Project Acceleration Fund established in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
To support increased production, the council has established 222 hectares of seed cane farms in Kwara, Kano and Oyo states. An additional 122 hectares are planned to support the 2026–2027 planting season.
Bakrin said the council was also introducing improved farming technology, expanding training programmes and strengthening institutional capacity to drive the implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.
He added that progress would be assessed through measurable results, including actual investments, hectares of land cultivated and the volume of sugar produced.
The council chief commended President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Industry, investors, state governments, farmers and host communities for supporting the initiative.
The plan seeks to expand domestic sugar production over the next decade, although its success will depend on securing the projected financing and translating planned investments into increased output.
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