Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin, has said a full implementation of the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP) could save Nigeria over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually, while also creating thousands of jobs and boosting rural development.

Bakrin stated this at a one-day public hearing on a bill to amend the National Sugar Development Council Act, at the House of Representatives yesterday in Abuja.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), BUA Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, and Abuja-based consulting firm NINA-JOJER.

The proposed legislation is titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act, CAP N78 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024, to Provide for the Functions and Powers of the Council, and the Payment of All Monies Received by the Council into the Federation Account in Accordance with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and for Related Matters”.

In his presentation, Bakrin stressed the transformative goals of the sugar master plan.

“To realize this vision, we require $4.5 billion in investments, which the Council is actively working to attract. Investor confidence is critical, and that confidence hinges on transparent, rule-based policies,” he said.

Bakrin raised concerns over the recent directive mandating that 50 per cent of the sugar levy be remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), warning that such measures could undermine the sector’s transformation goals.

He argued that the sugar levy was specifically introduced to fund the development of the sector, unlike import duties, noting that redirecting the funds could derail the country’s industrial ambitions.

He added that the NSDC has established a technical committee to thoroughly review the proposed amendments and provide feedback.

Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed the agency’s support for the bill’s intent to enhance the council’s regulatory capacity.
Adeyeye who was represented by Iba Edward
cautioned that some of the proposed provisions overlap with NAFDAC’s core regulatory functions as outlined in Section five of the NAFDAC Act.

“We urge the National Assembly to clearly delineate the roles of NSDC to avoid conflict and duplication. NAFDAC remains the regulatory authority for all food imports, including sugar, to ensure consumer safety and quality standards,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. John Owan Eno, emphasised sugar’s potential in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision.

The Minister noted that while the sugar industry has benefited from over $2 billion in incentives under the first and second phases of the Master plan, its contribution to the economy remains underwhelming, estimated at just $30 billion

“Sugar plays a critical role in rural development, job creation, and national value generation. The NSMP is a vital component of our industrialization drive. However, its success depends on the collective attitude and accountability of both public and private sector actors.

“This amendment is intended to strengthen the law, correct past lapses, and ensure we achieve real import substitution and sustainable local capacity,”

Representing BUA Group, former Minister Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong expressed the company’s firm commitment to the NSMP, noting BUA’s substantial investments in the sector.

“We have developed a nearly 50,000-hectare sugar plantation, with 20,000 hectares already under cultivation, and we’re acquiring another 50,000 hectares. While we’re not where we want to be yet, we are making progress,” he said.
Hong, however, urged policymakers to consider the economic impact of regulatory changes on both producers and consumers.

Head of Government and Community Relations, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Onome Okurah, acknowledged the challenges in the sector but stressed the company’s continued dedication.

“We operate on over 6,000 hectares and currently run sugar production for three to four months each year. We believe that with sustained collaboration, we’ll see meaningful progress in the next decade,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee, Rep. Enitan Dolapo Badru, said the hearing was part of efforts to develop inclusive legislation that will strengthen the NSDC’s capacity to drive the NSMP.

“We urge all stakeholders to contribute constructively. Our goal is to build a sustainable and competitive sugar industry that creates jobs, improves livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national development,” he said