ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has tasked the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) to achieve a production capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum by 2030.
The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, gave the charge during a visit to the company’s complex in Numan, Adamawa State.
Enoh was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin.
The minister said the visit was part of ongoing nationwide inspections of sugar projects, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to fast-track Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in sugar production.
READ ALSO:FG Urges NNPC To Invest In Local Refineries
He noted that Nigeria’s annual sugar consumption is about 1.8 million metric tonnes, far higher than current domestic production levels.
According to him, as a major player in the sector, Dangote Sugar is expected to play a significant role in closing the supply gap.
“DSR is a very big player in the industry. Our circumstances in this sector will continue to depend on what DSR does.
“The company must deliver at least 600,000 metric tonnes annually by 2030 and sustain the output thereafter,” he said.
He commended the council’s efforts in implementing the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, stressing that collaboration among stakeholders remains essential.
“I have lost count of the number of times Mr President has spoken about the development of the sugar industry at Federal Executive Council meetings,” he said.
The minister described the infrastructure and investment level at the Numan facility as proof of commitment to the Backward Integration Programme.
He, however, urged faster progress toward national production targets, assuring that government would support operators in addressing existing challenges.
“We are aware that there are issues, including access to affordable long-term finance. Government is ready to work with stakeholders to address them,” he said.
Enoh added that increased production was necessary to reduce import dependence and meet national demand.
He said the programme had generated jobs and added value through local sugarcane processing.
The Vice President of the Dangote Group, Mr Olakunle Alake, assured the minister of the company’s readiness to expand production capacity.
Alake said the company would commit additional investment to achieve the 600,000 metric tonnes target by 2030.
The minister and his delegation inspected the new 6,000 tonnes-per-day expansion site, as well as farms, mills, processing facilities, haulage systems, boilers, turbines, and sugar packaging operations.
(NAN)