Lagos, Nigeria – Kamar Bakrin, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), has emphasized the urgent need for a $5 billion investment to make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar production.
During a recent media session in Lagos, Bakrin highlighted the country’s current production capabilities, stating that Nigeria produces only 48,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, while its consumption rate stands at approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes.
This results in a staggering shortfall of about 1.75 million metric tonnes, a gap primarily filled by imports.
Bakrin argued against the introduction of a sugar tax, noting that the average Nigerian consumes just 9 kg of sugar per year—a figure he deemed low for a nation with a population exceeding 200 million.
He explained that much of the sugar consumed in Nigeria is used in industrial products rather than direct personal consumption.
This perspective challenges the rationale for implementing a tax aimed at curbing sugar consumption, particularly in a context where consumption is already minimal.
The current valuation of Nigeria’s sugar industry stands at $2 billion, but Bakrin asserts that significant investments are crucial for its growth.
He believes that with the proposed $5 billion funding, the sector could not only increase production but also stimulate essential infrastructure development in rural areas where sugar farms are predominantly located.
“Expanding the sugar industry would lead to the construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, contributing to the overall development of these communities,” he stated.
Bakrin drew comparisons with global sugar production leaders, citing Brazil as the top producer with 41 million metric tonnes, followed by India and Thailand. In Africa, Egypt takes the lead, while South Africa is the continent’s largest sugar exporter.
Despite Nigeria’s current challenges in reaching similar production levels, Bakrin remains optimistic about the nation’s potential.
He pointed out that Nigeria currently cultivates sugar on just 14,000 hectares of land, yet it requires around 250,000 hectares to meet local demand.
The country boasts approximately 800,000 hectares of suitable land for sugar farming, presenting a significant opportunity for expansion.
Moreover, Nigeria’s sugar refinery capacity is reported to be 3.7 million metric tonnes, indicating that local needs could be met if production of raw sugar increases.
Bakrin highlighted the critical timeline for achieving full production, noting that it takes around four years from planting sugarcane to the first sugar harvest. “Long-term financial support is essential for this growth,” he added.
To facilitate this expansion, the NSDC is working to secure funding and revamp the Nigerian Sugar Institute to enhance skills and knowledge within the industry.
Bakrin stressed the importance of attracting affordable long-term funding to help realize the sector’s full potential.
As discussions around a proposed sugar tax continue, Bakrin urged policymakers to consider the unique circumstances of Nigeria’s sugar consumption and production landscape.
He warned against adopting measures influenced by external entities that may not fully understand the local context, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to sugar consumption and policy formulation in Nigeria.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
