By Lucy Ogalue
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has trained its pioneer residential cohort to strengthen technical capacity and support Nigeria’s target of producing two million metric tonnes of sugar annually.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the NSDC Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin, at the conclusion of the maiden residential training programme at the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), Ilorin, Kwara.
Bakrin said the programme formed part of the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0, which sought to achieve sugar self-sufficiency through workforce development and enhanced industry performance.
According to him, skilled professionals remain critical to transforming the sugar industry, while sustainable growth depends on improved productivity in both sugarcane cultivation and factory operations.
He said neither field productivity nor factory efficiency alone could guarantee the industry’s long-term sustainability, emphasising that integrating both would reduce dependence on imported sugar and improve profitability.
Bakrin said that NSMP 2.0 placed operators under greater accountability to improve performance across the sugar value chain and develop world-class technical and operational expertise.
“The future of our industry depends on people who understand both cane production and factory efficiency.
“The strong response to the maiden programme reflects the industry’s shortage of skilled technical personnel.
“The council will continue expanding capacity development to support rapid sector growth,” he said.
The NSDC boss said the pioneer cohort comprised 39 participants trained between June 29 and July 3, while the second cohort of 41 participants was scheduled to begin training on July 13.
He said the programme covered sugarcane biology, variety selection, irrigation, water management and yielded optimisation, alongside practical sessions designed to address field challenges.
“Participants also engaged in practical ‘Cane Clinics’ to analyse field challenges and develop workable solutions.
“The training combined classroom learning with laboratory sessions and field exercises.
“Participants visited the National Museum and Innovation Hub in Ilorin as part of the programme.
“The training was hosted at the Nigeria Sugar Institute’s residential campus with dedicated learning and collaboration facilities,” he said.
Participants were drawn from major operators across the sugar industry, including Dangote Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Progressive Farmers’ Groups and the NSDC.
The council said strengthening technical capacity across the industry would accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards achieving sugar self-sufficiency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru