By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru