In a move aimed at achieving significant transformation of the Nigerian sugar sector, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has hosted a delegation of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), led by the Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin.
The working visit focused on fostering collaboration between the two organisations and exploring opportunities for partnerships to transform the nation’s sugar sector through Nigeria-China Collaboration.
While receiving the delegation, the DG noted the huge potential of the Nigerian sugar sector and lauded the commitment of the NSDC management. He added that the goal of the collaboration was to leverage Chinese technology and expertise to boost Nigeria’s sugar production, meeting both local demand and the international market.
China, a significant player in the global sugar market, currently imports an estimated five million metric tonnes of the product yearly, valued at $10 billion in addition to its domestic production of 10.5 million metric tonnes.
The local sugar market, valued at $2 billion yearly, is projected to benefit from a transformed sector. In addition, the country could potentially acquire a substantial share of the global market, where imports by the Asian giant is currently valued at $10 billion.
The NSDC aims to position the sector as a beneficiary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. This would involve the deployment of modern technology, conversion of by-products, training of farmers on modern skills, and technology transfer, as well as access to low-interest financing to fund the development of new sugar production estates and ventures.
As Nigeria seeks to boost its sugar production, this collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal, which is part of the second phase of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).
The initiative, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, prioritises economic growth and development. The NCSP expressed its commitment to deepening the partnership between Nigeria and China.
