By Lucy Ogalue
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Lee Group are partnering to establish a multi-million-dollar sugar production project in Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture is part of Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency in sugar production.
The Executive-Secretary of NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, led a high-powered delegation comprising officials of the council and representatives of the Lee Group to Jalingo to seek the support and collaboration of Gov. Agbu Kefas for the project’s take-off.
He said the project was part of the council’s strategic efforts to expand sugar production across the country as well as strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
The executive-secretary said that the NSDC was established to regulate and promote the development of the sugar industry.
According to him, the council plays a key role in supporting investors through technical guidance, feasibility studies, land access, and policy coordination.
“Sugar is an incredibly significant socio-economic product globally, employing about 100 million people in more than 120 countries.
“Sugar estates are often located in rural areas, and they naturally drive local development without causing environmental degradation.
“A national survey conducted by NSDC identified about 1.2 million hectares of land across the country as suitable for sugar cultivation, with Taraba ranking among the most promising locations.
“Taraba State has passed all our technical and environmental suitability criteria with flying colours and we consider it as one of the most strategic and promising for sugar investment in Nigeria,” he said.
Bakrin commended Lee Group, describing it as a credible partner with both the financial strength and technical expertise required to execute the project successfully through its subsidiary, GNAAL Sugar.
The Project Director of Lee Group, Mr Lam Wilkins, expressed the group’s readiness to establish a world-class sugar production facility in the state.
“We are not here merely to present an idea, we are here to build a lasting partnership.
“Our investment will enhance the state’s revenue base, create employment, stimulate local enterprises, and empower farming communities through an inclusive out-grower scheme,” he said.
Wilkins said that Lee Group had been operating in Nigeria for more than six decades, with notable investments in manufacturing, training, and agriculture.
He said that the Taraba sugar project would become a model of successful public–private collaboration for the country.
Responding, the Taraba governor commended the NSDC and Lee Group for choosing Taraba as an investment destination, assuring them of the state government’s full support for the project’s success.
Kefas described Taraba as “nature’s gift to the nation,” blessed with vast arable land and favourable climatic conditions for large-scale agricultural production.
“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for investors, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Taraba is peaceful and open for business,” he said.
Kefas identified Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Local Government Areas as suitable for large-scale sugar cultivation and pledged to provide the necessary land and other logistics to facilitate the project’s take-off.
He also proposed the establishment of a tripartite committee comprising officials of the state government, NSDC, and Lee Group to fast-track implementation processes and monitor progress.
The governor expressed optimism that the collaboration would boost sugar production in the country.
He said it would also create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and contribute to the Federal Government’s goal of achieving sugar self-sufficiency under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Ekama-Williams
