The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Wednesday, officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), in a move aimed at reinvigorating Nigeria’s sugar sector and enhancing self-sufficiency in local production.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Bank of Industry Complex in Abuja, saw the swearing-in of the new board members, with Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), appointed as Chairman of the Council.
In his remarks, Senator Enoh described the reconstitution of the NSDC board as a timely intervention to reposition the sugar industry in line with the Federal Government’s strategic focus on industrialization and food security. He emphasized that the sugar sector holds enormous potential for economic diversification, job creation, and revenue generation.
“The inauguration of this board comes at a critical time when Nigeria is working hard to reduce its dependence on sugar imports through the implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). The Council has a huge responsibility to drive policy direction, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and support investments that will deepen local production,” Enoh said.
He charged the new board, under Senator Basiru’s leadership, to work closely with stakeholders across the value chain—ranging from sugarcane growers to industrial refiners—to deliver measurable results within the life of the administration.
Senator Basiru, in his response, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the Council. He assured that the board would hit the ground running, prioritizing key targets such as reducing import dependency, enhancing backward integration, and supporting indigenous participation in sugar refining and production.
The National Sugar Development Council plays a vital role in the implementation of Nigeria’s Sugar Master Plan, which was launched to encourage investment in local production and reduce the country’s annual sugar import bill—estimated to be over $500 million. The Council also serves as a regulatory body overseeing compliance and promoting sustainable practices within the sector.
With the reconstitution of the board, the Federal Government hopes to strengthen the institutional framework required to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the African sugar market.
The event was attended by senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives of key sugar-producing companies.