The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, yesterday solicited the support of governors of sugar producing states in the country towards the revitalisation of the sugar sub-sector, saying the guidelines for the implementation of the Phase 2 of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan requires the inputs of critical stakeholders like state governors to succeed.
The Executive Secretary made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman, Forum of Governors of Sugar Producing States, Engr. Sule Abdullahi in Lafia, stating that state governors as landlords of sugar projects in their respective domains have contributed to the modest success so far recorded in the industry.
Adedeji commended the Forum of Governors of Sugar Producing States for creating a safe and enabling environment for sugar operators to go about their business activities without hitches such as perennial disagreements over land ownership, communal hostilities and other associated challenges, noting that the forum has contributed to the peace enjoyed across communities hosting sugar projects across states.
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He added that the government had in 2013 began the implementation of a 10-year master plan to revamp sugar sector. The policy plan code-named ‘the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP)’, has four major objectives, which are for Nigeria to attain self sufficiency in sugar production, stem the rising tide of sugar importation, create job opportunity for Nigerians and the generation of electricity and production of ethanol for industrial purposes. The first phase of the plan is expected to end in the first quarter of 2023.
The ES expressed satisfaction with the forum chaired by the governor, stating, “We are quite pleased with the invaluable contributions of the forum you chair to the faithful implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. We’ve made considerable progress in critical segments of the NSMP, especially as it relates to the refining component of the plan. Our next plan of action is to replicate the successes recorded in the area of sugar refining in our field and agricultural operations”.
Governor Sule pledged the continuous support of the Forum he heads to revitalising the sector.