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Tag: Sugar

  • New study reconfirms sugar damages the brain

    New study reconfirms sugar damages the brain

    Christmas and New year revelries are around the corner. It is a season in which many persons eat and drink to stupor. I am concerned more about sugary drinks and their inescapable effects on blood sugar balance and brain damage. Several 2024 and 2025 global studies warn of brain damage potentials of sugary drinks. An incisive 2023 study carried out by KERRI M GILLESPIE and others examined 77 studies and concluded that increasing sugar intake was causing poorer global cognitive performance, executive function and memory. They mince no word in saying too much sugar in the brain damages it. As I thought about sugar and brain damage, I remembered Chioma Isabella Ajana, a 100- level law student of University of Nnamdi Azikiwe. She was a TYPE 1 diabetic who must periodically inject insulin into her blood stream to normalise her blood sugar. She died because she lost the key to her hostel room and, for three days could not pay the Porters N18,000 for a spare key and get her injections! In my view, her death was avoidable on at least two grounds. First, insulin injection is not the only answer to type 1 diabetes. Her blood sugar was dangerously rising. She had no access to insulin. The Porters were too stiff-necked . Obviously, she had not been sufficiently educated about her health condition to know it was conquerable with herbal options such as orange peel, fenugreek, chanca piedra, balsam pear, pawpaw leaves, bitter leaf and brimstone. Although medical doctors who are not conversant with nutritional medicine do not approve their use, these herbs have demonstrated insulin like effects as sugar burners and when combined with insulin pharmaceutical anti diabetic drugs, have been shown to exhibit serious hypoglycemic effects. Secondly, CHIOMA ISABELLA AJANNA may have still been numbered among us today had those Porters behaved as human beings.

    I deliberately detoured from the damage to the brain by blood sugar overload to recall the painful demise of Chioma Isabella Ajana through a sugar overload in her blood. I did this to prick the conscience of the Porters of her hostel who will enjoy Christmas day and New year’s day with their families and to let them know that, even if inadvertently, they killed her and robbed her family the joy of reunion with her this season.

    There was no doubt that their job brief was that any student who lost his or her key must pay N18,000 for a replacement. Many students may have been becoming so irresponsible about the safety of their keys and the university, through indulgence, may have been losing money on free replacements. However, when a student turned up, said she was diabetic, that her drugs were inside her room, that she had no immediate access to money and that she could die if she did not have her insulin injection, couldn’t the Porters have given her the benefit of the doubt and followed her into her room? What would that have cost them? Were they not parents, uncles or aunts? Above all of these, were they not supposed to be human beings before when they were given their jobs to manage human beings?

    The wounds of the passage of Chioma Isabella Ajana must be healing, but the pains will linger for some time in the hearts of many persons who were not acquainted with her but merely heard her story. Her death on  July 9, 2025 has made me more sensitive to the stories of primary and secondary school children who are pre-diabetic, or who are simply reporting elevated blood sugar. Many of such children are in the school system. Their teachers most probably see them as ATTENTION DEFICIT and HYPERACTIVE (ADHD) children. Their attention spans are short. They fidget in the classroom and cannot concentrate long enough on their studies to make anything useful out of them. Their parents are often to blame. They indulge them with sugary foods and snacks, expose them to food flavours, dyes and colourings. Their tongues are grayish, indicating colonisation of the colon by candida, a yeast form, if not mold, and thereby disposing the brain to dangerous free radicals and toxins from the waste products of these microbial forms. In some young adults and in some of these young children, this may be a case of depression, which outside Alternative Medicine and nutrition formats is often misdiagnosed with psychiatric ailments and, thereby, MISTREATED with possibilities of relapses since roots of the problem are not well known and attacked.

    William dufty

    One gentleman who must be giggling on reading this column is William DUFTY, author of SUGAR BLUES, who led me through the forest of blood sugar troubles about 1995, close to 20 years after he published the book. I thanked him a lot because, before then, I was a SWEET TOOTH. I drank cassava flakes porridge (garri) in a 16 ounce cup embalmed with CONDENSED MILK!

    Before I return to William DUFTY, I would like to state that the spur of this column was the newspaper report that a new scientific study had again linked elevated blood sugar to brain damage of varying dimensions, including reduced brain size, disablement of the HIPPOCAMPUS, that part of the brain which is responsible for memory and learning, dementia, Alzheimer’s, disruption of the BRAIN BLOOD BARRIER, inflammation and nerve weakness. I lost details of the new study. However, news of it led me to old studies, the findings of which I confirmed. Before I mention some of them and I discuss some of the herbs which may help to curb elevated blood sugar and prevent brain damage, I would like to return to William DUFTY.

    Back to dufty

    His personal experiences with sugar- induced debilitating migraines, haemorrhoids and weight gain influenced the writing of SUGAR BLUES, as would be the warnings of actress GLORIA SWANSON. They met in 1968 and were married in 1976 till 1983 when her death separated them. She always warned him about his sugar cravings. Under her influence, he began to investigate sugar’s impact on health and tactics of the sugar industry to capture the MIND and WILL of mankind. Together, they went on a promotional tour for SUGAR BLUES. On 4 April 1983, Gloria Swanson died in New York City of heart failure at 83. Dufty remained committed to their cause until his death 19 years after in Birmingham, Michigan of complications from cancer. He was 86.

    SUGAR BLUES is an exploration of the history of naked sugar and of its devastating impact on human health. It warms us that sugar is addictive and lies behind minor ailments such as slow responses to nerve impulses to bigger ones like diabetes and brain damage. To this list may be added ulcers, physical weakness, mental illness, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and addiction. The message is clear: REMOVE SUGAR FROM YOUR DIET IF YOU WISH TO BE DISEASE AND PAIN FREE. More than 1.6 million copies of the book have been sold.

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    Sugar and the brain

    It is probably no longer news to many medical lay persons that elevated blood sugar may thicken the blood with all sorts of complications. Thick blood causes osmotic dehydration of tissues and pains such as headaches and aches in muscles, nerves, tissue, bone and tendons. De-oxygenation may damage nerves and cause peripheral numbness. The blood may clot and this may cause vessel damage, heart disease and heart attacks, and even stroke. What may high blood sugar not cause outside DIABETES which is, perhaps, the most well known resultant. Many of the havoc’s of sugar in the brain are not known to many persons. Paediatrician Mrs Mary Newport, in her books suggested some problems in the brain may respond to ketones in coconut oil as an alternate source of energy in the gray matter. Her work was spurred by the ailment of her husband. She followed the tips given by a film director who popularised the term DIABETES OF THE BRAIN. The brain lives on sugar, but too much sugar in the brain is like too much sugar in the blood stream…DIABETES. He said brain cells wilt and die when they are subsumed in sugar and, if this occurs among brain cells which control vision, diseases such as GLAUCOMA may develop.

    Brain blood barrier

    As the brain is the power house of the body, it is protected with a powerful barrier against blood stream circulation, as, if we like, the earth is protected by the ozone layer against COSMIC RADIATIONS. Effects of damage to the ozone layer are well documented in scientific literature. So is damage by man made sugar to the BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB).

    Sugar is highly corrosive as can be noted in teeth and gum diseases. When sugar damages the BBB, germs and their toxins, like toxins from food, the air, water and metabolism end products may easily cross up to the brain. It is possible the first effect is INFLAMATION everywhere. The early signs of inflammation of brain matter may be such conditions as sleep disturbances (insomnia, sleepiness in day time and other sleep questions, knee jerk syndrome, seizures, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue which may be persistent, mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety. Other resultants from inflammation of the brain may include ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder), anxiety disorder, cognitive disorder which may move around decline in problem solving ability, decision- making or right judgement, numbness or tingling and pain in several parts of the body, tremors, muscle weakness or problems with co-ordinating muscles. I was fascinated by an article on DELAYED NERVE RESPONSE which linked several road crashes in the United States to sugar problems. A motorist would sight an impediment on the road. His brain would tell the muscles of the foot to slam the brake. The message would take longer time than is normally necessary to reach the leg and foot muscles. This is because the” motorways” on which the message would travel have become congested with sugar traffic. An avoidable crash would occur!

    Beyond inflammation of the brain, sugar damage in the brain may cause smaller brain volume. In smaller brain volume, the HIPPOCAMPUS part of the brain may grow smaller. This is the area which controls memory and learning. Thus, memory loss can occur and memory can be formed with greater difficulty. Learning also becomes more difficult. The sense of smell may wither. Challenged persons may find navigating familiar environment more difficult. Some get lost in the neighbourhood. I had a cousin aged 76 who suffered from dementia and went to hospital for his medicines, unaccompanied. After seeing his doctor, he went to the motor park and boarded a bus bound for five towns away. To cut a long story short, good Samaritans took him to a police station where his hospital card identified his home address.

    Helping the brain

    A sugar inflamed or damaged brain needs help which is abundant in the treasure troves of mother nature. There is help for inflammation, impaired cellular integrity, tormenting free radicals and other toxins, poor oxygen supply and waste evacuations, clotting blood, subnormal hippocampus, broken BBB and much more.

    OMEGA-3 fatty acids in FISH OIL has been well documented by researchers as very helpful. Dr Joseph Maroon, a renowned neuro surgeon and nutritionist, gives it a testimonial for brain health in his book FISH OIL: THE NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

    BLACK PERUVIAN MACCA, which is different from red or yellow macca, may restore balance in a sugar disoriented HIPPOCAMPUS. It is endowed with powerful antioxidants which fight oxidative stress in a sugar-disoriented hippocampus, and can improve cognitive functions, improve mental energy and alertness. Laboratory experiments show it can improve learning and concentration suggest neuroprotective abilities, especially in MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

    More suggestions are exciting. As for men who desire more testosterone for virility, physical endurance, muscle mass and tone, black macca is also well recommended.

    GINGER and CURCUMIN, found in tumeric, take us back to remedies. So is GARLIC. They are great endowments in the Nigerian stem cell activator named REJUVENATING DRINK. ORANGE PEEL in powder or whatever form cannot be left behind for its anti inflammatory FLAVONOIDS, Hesperidin and Naringerin. There are other antioxidants and chemical substances which protect against oxidative stress and cell damage.

    Lecithin, like DHA OMEGA 3, is a component of cellular membrane which supports cell integrity and fluidity even under sugar barrage. It supplies the brain with phosphatidylcholin which is converted to Acetyl-cholin in the brain. This is a neuro transmitter important for memory, attention and cognitive activities. Lecithin provides, also, INOSITOL which has diverse roles in the management of anxiety, mood swings, depression and other disorders. Lecithin has been a roaring success in the Alternative Medicine market since the last two decades.

    GOTU KOLA balance blood circulation and biochemistry in both hemispheres of the brain. GINGKO BILOBA is well documented for improving blood circulation to the brain and micro blood circulation within it, dissolving clots and providing antioxidant support against free radicals and oxidative stress.

    ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (ALA)

    Is a favourite antioxidant choice because it is active in both fluid and fat media, selective or specific.

    Lion’s mane mushroom

    It blows my head Everytime I remember it was discovered by Dr Rita Levi Moltacini who discovered in about 1945 to support the regeneration of mangled and damaged nerves. She died in Rome in 2012 aged 103 years, writing and reading and appearing at academic conferences. Researchers after her have taken this mushroom beyond the care of nerves alone.

    COCONUT OIL is where I would like to stop. The oil from immature coconut is preferable. This oil, being a medium- chain triglyceride, (MCT) substance offers energy which does not compromise health through residues sludges.

    If the brain is exhibiting symptoms of “DIABETES OF THE BRAIN”, sugar barrages may have damaged the potential to produce neurotrophic factors or generate nerve growth hormone (NGH). Brain cells which are innundated with too much sugar and insulin and may have become INSULIN-RESISTANT, may be wilting and dying of hunger since blood sugar, ironically, is the “food” of the brain. Too much sugar is rushing in through the broken BBB and they are shutting their “doors” and “windows” happily. Coconut oil is well blessed with ketones which provide them acceptable, alternative fuel. That is why it is being reported by personal cases and clinical reports as helping several cases of mental health challenges, including glaucoma and other vision problems. The ketones may also improve mood swings, attention spans and behaviour balance. Its polyphenols are useful against oxidative stress and cell damage.

    Herbs for diabetes

    At the outset, I stated that CHIOMA ISABELLA AJANA may not have died if she knew about anti diabetic herbs, took them regularly or if the Porters of her hostel behaved like human beings. There are too many of these herbs in nature that no one need fear DIABETES. In the housing estate where I live, one architect did not believe until one of these herbs collapsed to normal his blood sugar count which had crossed a 400 point mark. When I showed him the miracle plant in my garden, he got members of his household to embark on a harvest expedition everywhere in the estate. These herbs have insulin like effects and may be used temporarily or for as long as is necessary in the treatment or management of insulin TYPE 1 DIABETES.

    Some of them are chanka PIEDRA (my favourite), aloe vera (in gel form, capsule or powder), bitter melon( which may supress fertility for a while), PANAX GINSENG, STINGING NETTLE blood purifier as well), turmeric (an anti inflammatory as well), GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE (which also helps in the repair of damaged pancreas cells, good old onion, an antimicrobial, BLACK SEED, SOUR SOP leaves (they may not be used for prolonged periods), good old GARLIC, FENUGREEK(a friend of the respiratory system), JUNIPER BERRIES(it releases insulin from the pancreas and suppresses hunger) PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUN ( It repairs damaged better cells of the pancreas and stimulates release of insulin), HEART- LEAVED MOON SEED (decreases insulin resistance, stimulates glucose uptake and stimulates insulin production).

    So, in this season of revelry, let us keep a safe distance from sugars of all kinds, and keep our sugar burning herbs within easy reach in the medicine box.

  • Expert debunks sugar myth, says lifestyle, not sugar causes obesity

    Expert debunks sugar myth, says lifestyle, not sugar causes obesity

    Public health physician and executive member of the Community Health Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Godswill Iboma, has clarified that sugar is not the direct cause of obesity and diabetes, contrary to popular belief.

    Speaking at a health workshop organised by the Community Health Empowerment Foundation in Lagos, Dr. Iboma explained that while excessive intake of any nutrient can have health implications, scientific evidence does not support the claim that sugar alone causes non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes.

    The workshop, themed “Debunking the Linkages Between Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs),” gathered health stakeholders to examine misconceptions about sugar intake and its alleged direct link to metabolic disorders.

    “Sugar has been demonised for centuries alongside alcohol and tobacco. But unlike tobacco or alcohol, there is no conclusive evidence that moderate sugar consumption directly causes non-communicable diseases. It’s not about sugar in isolation. It’s about balance: how much we eat, how much we move, and how our bodies process energy,” Dr. Iboma said.

    He emphasised that lifestyle factors — including diet, exercise, socio-economic conditions, and genetics — are the true drivers of NCDs, not sugar itself. 

    “Public health should empower people to live better, not punish them for what they eat. When we understand the science, we make better choices — as individuals, as policymakers, and as a society,” he added.

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    Highlighting sugar’s biological importance, Dr. Iboma explained that glucose, derived from sugar, is the body’s primary energy source, powering the brain, muscles, and vital organs. 

    Without adequate glucose, he noted, the body’s energy systems weaken, causing fatigue and cognitive decline.

    “Carbohydrates, including sugars, are not enemies. They are essential nutrients that provide the energy we need for physical activity, mental alertness, and overall body function,” he said, noting that the brain alone consumes about 20 percent of the body’s glucose at rest.

    While advocating moderation, Dr. Iboma warned that excessive or unbalanced sugar consumption — especially without physical activity — can be harmful. 

    “The problem is not sugar itself but how we consume it; often in large quantities and without adequate exercise to burn it off,” he said.

    The workshop also assessed the effectiveness of sugar taxes, including Nigeria’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax introduced in 2022. 

    Dr. Iboma cautioned that such measures, while aimed at discouraging consumption, may not deliver significant health benefits without scientific evaluation.

    “Taxes may reduce sales temporarily, but they rarely reduce obesity or NCD rates in the long term,” he argued, citing evidence from countries like Mexico, the UK, and South Africa, where such taxes produced minimal impact. 

    He instead advocated for nutrition education, community-based fitness programmes, and collaborations between government and the food industry to promote healthy reformulations and informed choices.

    Dr. Iboma also urged journalists to report scientific findings responsibly. “When science is oversimplified, the public suffers. Media has a duty to educate, not alarm,” he said.

  • Local investor to set up sugar project in Taraba

    Local investor to set up sugar project in Taraba

    The Lee Group in partnership with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC)  have taken a significant step towards establishing a multi-million-dollar sugar production site in Taraba state, with the intent to ensure Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in sugar production.

    Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr, Kamar Bakrin who led officials of the Lee Group to the Governor of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas have appealed for collaboration and successful takeoff of sugar production by the investors, stating that NSDC’s core mandate includes developing capacity across the sectors through training, extension services, and sugarcane research, while also supporting investors in financing, feasibility studies, and land access for sugar projects.

    “Sugar is an incredibly significant socio-economic product globally, employing about 100 million people in over 120 countries, Sugar estates are often located in rural areas, they naturally drive local development without causing environmental degradation.

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    “Taraba State has passed all our technical and environmental suitability criteria with flying colours. We consider the state as one of the most promising locations for sugar investment in Nigeria. The Lee Group, through its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, has also met our requirements as a credible investor with both financial strength and technical expertise,” Bakrin said.

    Speaking, the Project Director of Lee Group, Mr. Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, informed the governor of the group’s desire to set up a multi-million-dollar sugar project in the state, noting that the state possesses immense potential for agriculture and industrial growth as the proposed sugar project would significantly advance both local and national economic objectives.

    The governor assured that the state has addressed previous security challenges and is now peaceful and safe for local and foreign investments, investors should take advantage of the available opportunities, particularly in sugar production, a key focus of the state’s agricultural agenda.

    Governor Kefas identified Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Local Government Areas as ideal for large-scale sugar cultivation and processing projects.

  • NSDC to integrate outgrower farmers into sugar supply chain

    NSDC to integrate outgrower farmers into sugar supply chain

    Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin  revealed that the council has created opportunities for inclusive economic growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the sugar industry’s supply chain and the introduction of Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP).

    He disclosed this during the launch of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) in Abuja, stating that the aim is to boost local production, to also complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates and help close the national supply gap.

    It is also designed for local sugarcane cultivation, reduces Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and creates opportunities for inclusive economic growth.

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    Bakrin said, “The programme is a key component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and has been designed to scale up local sugarcane production, reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, and stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly within rural communities.

    “This is a pioneering initiative for Nigeria’s sugar sector. For the first time, a structured outgrower development programme will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain. This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production.

    “The SODP, will empower participating farmers through guaranteed offtake agreements by ensuring market access,  access to quality seed cane and inputs, technical support and structured training programmes and adoption of sustainable land and water use practices”.

    Speaking, Mrs. Lade Offurum, Head of Out-Grower Management explained that the SODP will engage three key categories of farmers, agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50–500+ hectares, farming cooperatives, who can apply as organised clusters of between 30 and 50 hectares, and individual farmers or friends willing to jointly farm clusters of 30+ hectares.

    She advised interested participants to reach out to the NSDC through email, adding that the application will close on the 21st of November, 2025. With the launch of the SODP, NSDC continues to deliver on the objectives of the NSMP II, accelerating investments in local production, empowering farmers, and advancing Nigeria’s vision for a globally competitive sugar industry.

  • Institute mulls business-friendly policy to drive sugar-sweetened beverage tax

    Institute mulls business-friendly policy to drive sugar-sweetened beverage tax

    The Chartered Institute of Financial and Investment Analysts, Nigeria (CIFIAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently align its sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax policy with broader public health objectives and Nigeria’s industrial development goals.

    The Institute warns that steep tax increases, if implemented without a coherent framework, could harm the country’s sugar economy, undermine jobs, and fail to deliver the intended health outcomes.

    Speaking recently during a high-level policy workshop themed “Understanding the Impact of SSB Taxation on Nigeria’s Sugar Economy: Supply, Demand, and the Policy Disconnect”, CIFIAN President, Prof. Godfrey Omojefe, said the current N10 per litre excise duty on SSBs, introduced in 2022, has already had significant economic consequences.

    Citing data from the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Prof. Omojefe revealed that national sugar consumption declined by 16 percent in 2023, while domestic sugar production fell by 35 percent — from 46,479 metric tonnes in 2022 to 30,053 metric tonnes in 2023.

    He noted that these drops are closely linked to a challenging economic environment and the direct impact of the existing SSB tax on beverage manufacturers, who are among the largest industrial consumers of sugar.

    According to him, the SSB tax was introduced with good intentions, but without a holistic policy framework, its impact will remain limited and potentially harmful to local production, investment, and jobs.

    The Institute expressed concern over recent proposals by advocacy groups such as the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), which is calling for a twelve-fold increase in the excise duty from N10 per litre to N130 per litre. Such an increase, CIFIAN argued, would likely push retail prices up by between 20 percent and 50 percent, triggering a sharp drop in demand, further reducing aggregate production in the beverage sector, and weakening the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

    The NSMP, a flagship government initiative, aims to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, cut dependence on imports, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange.

    However, punitive taxes on sugar’s primary industrial application, SSBs, risk undermining these targets by discouraging investment in sugarcane cultivation, refinery expansion, and backward integration programmes.

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    CIFIAN also stressed that while sugar and SSB consumption contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses, they are not the sole drivers. Nigeria’s sugar intake remains lower than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended threshold and is far below that of many African and global peers.

    Focusing solely on punitive taxation, without addressing broader lifestyle and dietary factors, will yield limited health gains. Prof. Omojefe explained that a more effective approach would be to implement a nuanced taxation system that incentivises healthier product reformulation and innovation, while also ensuring fairness across all high-sugar products rather than singling out SSBs.

    He further emphasised the importance of offering policy incentives for low-sugar and sugar-free beverage production, especially when using locally sourced ingredients, as this would stimulate agricultural value chains, promote industrial growth, and expand healthier consumer choices.

    Equally important, he said, is the transparent utilisation of tax revenue, with clear accountability to show that funds raised are being channelled into healthcare infrastructure, public health campaigns, and preventive health programmes.

    Prof. Omojefe added that the government should commit to institutionalising regular, independent reviews of the SSB tax every three years, with a mandate to assess both its health and economic impacts. Such data-driven reviews would ensure that policy adjustments are evidence-based rather than politically or emotionally driven.

    He also underscored the need for continuous stakeholder engagement between government, health advocates, and industry leaders to find a middle ground that safeguards public health while preserving industrial competitiveness and economic stability.

    He concluded by noting that Nigeria’s current approach risks being both economically damaging and insufficient as a public health tool. A re-engineered, coherent, and evidence-based policy could transform the SSB tax from a blunt fiscal instrument into a catalyst for industrial innovation and improved health outcomes. “From contradiction to coherence — that is the path Nigeria must take to balance health imperatives with economic sustainability,” Prof. Omojefe said.

  • Sugar Council seals deal to produce 400,000MT yearly

    Sugar Council seals deal to produce 400,000MT yearly

    The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has signed agreements with four new operators to develop greenfield sugar projects that will collectively produce 400,000 tons annually, marking the latest phase in an ambitious campaign to slash the country’s hefty sugar import bill and achieve domestic self-sufficiency.

    The four sugar operators are Brent Sugar in Oyo State, Niger Foods in Niger State, Legacy Sugar in Adamawa State, and UMZA in Bauchi State. They will each develop from 100,000-tonne facilities across Nigeria’s agricultural belt. The geographic spread from Nigeria’s southwest to northeast reflects a deliberate strategy to leverage diverse agricultural conditions and distribute economic benefits across regions.

    The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has designated 2025 as a year of accelerated development for sugar projects, reflecting the government’s urgency in addressing food security concerns and reducing import dependence, adding that structural changes in global commodity markets have made local production more commercially attractive than at any point in the industry’s history as he presents a window of opportunity for rapid capacity expansion.

    In a statement by NSDC, the agreement was signed in Abuja and this represents a significant scaling of Nigeria’s sugar development ambitions, under the terms of agreement, the Council will provide customised project development support and cover critical service costs to ensure the ventures achieve commercial viability.

    “This expansion builds on Nigeria’s increasingly aggressive approach to sugar sector development. The NSDC recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese firm for engineering, procurement, construction and financing (EPC-F) services to construct up to five sugar estates, representing a collective investment of $1 billion. This Chinese partnership underscores Nigeria’s willingness to leverage foreign expertise and capital to rapidly develop domestic capacity.

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    “The strategic imperative is clear: Nigeria currently imports the vast majority of its sugar requirements, creating a substantial drain on foreign exchange reserves that the government is eager to plug. The country’s sugar import bill has remained stubbornly high despite various policy interventions, making domestic production expansion a priority for economic planners seeking to improve the trade balance,” the statement said.

    Bakrin noted that the four new projects promise benefits beyond mere production targets. Each facility is expected to generate significant employment in predominantly rural areas, develop local infrastructure, and create upstream and downstream economic opportunities. The geographic spread across Oyo, Niger, Adamawa and Bauchi states also reflects a deliberate strategy to distribute economic benefits and reduce regional inequalities.

  • NSDC to farmer: invest in sugar production

    NSDC to farmer: invest in sugar production

    The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin has called on members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other potential investors to seize the  opportunities currently available to invest in Nigeria’s sugar sector.

    Barkrin made this call during a visit by the All Farmer’s Association of Nigeria in Abuja stating that they should take advantage of the 150,000 ha of viable land bank available and invest in  sugar production.

    He also called on stakeholders to key into the national push to reduce the country’s over-dependence on imported raw sugar and its by-products adding that local production of sugar is not just a strategic economic imperative but a profitable venture with an assured market, attractive returns, and strong government backing.

    He said: “This is the right time to invest. The Nigerian sugar market is currently valued at over $2 billion, that of Africa is $7billion and the continental deficit will rise to 13 MT in 2030 due to rising demand and regional supply gaps. The market for sugar by-products is worth $10billion. From the country’s sugar consumption figures, foreign exchange realities and rising global supply chain uncertainties have made investments in local production more profitable than ever before.

    “The prevailing macroeconomic conditions have also made local production more competitive and importation more challenging.  After a robust land viability assessment, the Council is now in possession of a land bank of 150,000 ha that is suitable for sugarcane cultivation and available to new investors. The hectares of land, lie in secure regions with favourable climate, proximity to water sources, and community support”.

    Read Also: Experts caution on overreliance on sugar importation

    He added that, It has become valuable to produce sugar in Nigeria.  It wasn’t always the case but it is the case now. Four critical factors that have created compelling opportunities to invest in sugarcane growing and processing to meet local and export demand for sugar and associated value-added products include, attractive Markets,  Operational Feasibility,  Sound Economics and (4) Sustainable and Future-proof Business.

    Speaking, the President of the Association, Dr. Faruk Rabiu Mudi, accepted the task of mobilising its members to show more interest in the sugar industry especially the commercial out-grower scheme, as he admits that the country’s local production numbers compared to consumption are not good enough, noting that addressing the deficit is not a task for the NSDC alone.

  • Experts caution on overreliance on sugar importation

    Experts caution on overreliance on sugar importation

    Nigeria’s ambition for sugar self-sufficiency faces a critical test as stakeholders across the industry unite in a forceful call for intensified efforts to ramp up local production.

    Despite considerable government backing and private sector investment, the nation remains heavily reliant on imports, a dependency starkly highlighted by recent figures and a concerning forecast for the immediate future.

    Experts warn that a fundamental shift towards sustainable sugarcane cultivation and processing is indispensable if the industry is to shed its reliance on foreign supply and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.

    According to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)-Lagos, Nigeria is projected to see a significant 12 percent surge in raw sugar imports for the current year and next. This forecast, driven by anticipated improvements in foreign exchange availability, a strengthening naira, and an expected rise in domestic sugar consumption, paints a vivid picture of the country’s inability to meet its own demand.

    Recent data from March 2025 shipping activity reinforces this, showing approximately 98,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar flowing into the country, a stark testament to the persistent gap between what Nigeria produces and what it needs.

    According to Dr. Victor Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Federation of Agricultural Commodities of Nigeria (FACAN), Nigeria stands to unlock substantial economic benefits and bolster its self-sufficiency by significantly increasing its sugarcane production,   Iyama  that a robust sugarcane industry could be a game-changer for the nation’s economy, extending far beyond mere sugar production. Iyama highlighted that expanding sugarcane cultivation would lead to a surge in job creation across the entire value chain, from farmers tending the fields to workers in processing factories and distribution networks.

    This would particularly benefit rural communities, providing vital income opportunities and improving livelihoods. He stressed that a thriving sugarcane sector would also reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported sugar, saving considerable foreign exchange currently spent on meeting domestic demand.

    Beyond direct sugar production,  Iyama pointed to the immense potential of sugarcane as a versatile raw material. He noted its crucial role in the production of biofuels, particularly ethanol, which offers a sustainable and renewable energy source.He urged stakeholders, including government and private sector players, to collaborate on fostering innovations, investing in infrastructure, and providing necessary support to farmers to optimise sugarcane yields. According to a crop protection specialist. Prof Daniel Gwary,Nigeria requires an additional 100,000 hectares of sugarcane cultivation to significantly boost sugar production and create much-needed employment opportunities.

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    Gwary of the University of Maiduguri emphasised that the current contributions from small-scale farmers are insufficient to bridge the existing supply gap, calling for robust engagement from large-scale investors in the sugar industry.

    Speaking on the critical need for expanded cultivation, Professor Gwary highlighted the dual benefits of increased sugarcane production: enhanced food security through local sugar supply and a substantial increase in job creation across the agricultural value chain. “Our current sugar production is not meeting national demand, and this deficit has economic implications, including reliance on imports.To reverse this, we need a massive upscale in our sugarcane farming.”

    He further elaborated that while small-scale farmers play a vital role in the agricultural sector, their output alone cannot meet the ambitious targets required to make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar. “The nature of the sugar industry, with its need for economies of scale and significant capital investment in processing infrastructure, necessitates the involvement of large-scale players,” he asserted.

    Gwary called on  local and international investors with the capacity to acquire and develop large tracts of land for sugarcane cultivation.

    He stressed that such investments would not only provide a stable supply of raw materials for sugar mills but also stimulate rural economies through direct employment, outgrower schemes, and ancillary services.

  • ‘$4.5b investment needed to boost Sugar Master Plan’

    ‘$4.5b investment needed to boost Sugar Master Plan’

    Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin said on Thursday that the country require about $4.5 billion in investments to drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Sugar Master plan.

    He also said that the recent directive mandating that 50% of the sugar levy be remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) could undermine the sector’s transformation goals.

    Speaking at a public hearing on the an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act, he said the council was working hard to attract such investment into the country, stressing that investor confidence is critical, and that confidence hinges on transparent, rule-based policies.

    He emphasized the transformative goals of the Sugar Masterplan—chief among them the creation of 100,000 high-quality jobs, development of rural infrastructure, and savings of over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually.

    “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.

    “The sugar levy was specifically introduced to fund the development of the sector, unlike import duties. Redirecting those funds could derail the country’s industrial ambitions,” he warned, adding that the NSDC has established a technical committee to thoroughly review the proposed amendments and provide feedback.

    Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, emphasised  sugar’s potential in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision.

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    The Minister said “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”.

    He said while the sugar industry has benefited from over $2 billion in incentives under the first and second phases of the Masterplan, its contribution to the economy remains underwhelming—estimated at just $30 billion.

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

    Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, 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.

    Stakeholders at the hearing reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP), which aims to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of sugar and related products, while contributing meaningfully to national economic growth.

    Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by Mrs Iba Edward expressed the agency’s support for the bill’s intent to enhance the Council’s regulatory capacity. However, he cautioned that some of the proposed provisions overlap with NAFDAC’s core regulatory functions as outlined in Section 5 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.

    Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, K.C. Egwuh, affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to its revenue collection mandate under Nigeria’s fiscal laws. He reiterated the agency’s support for efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the sugar industry.

  • Nigeria’s raw sugar import to rise by 12%

    Nigeria’s raw sugar import to rise by 12%

    The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)-Lagos has projected a considerable 12 per cent jump in raw sugar imports for this year and next year.

    This is in spite of the country’s aspiration to become self-sufficient in sugar production which is now facing a significant setback. Several initiatives and substantial investments have gone into boosting local output.

    The FAS projection stands in stark contrast to the nation’s dream of self-sufficiency and is primarily driven by an anticipated improvement in the availability of foreign exchange, the strengthening of the naira, and a predicted rise in domestic sugar consumption.

    Recent data on March 2025 shipping imports highlighted approximately 98,000 metric tons of raw sugar flowing into the country, starkly illustrating the persistent gap between what Nigeria produces and what it consumes. 

    Despite the gloomy import forecast, there is a projected increase in local sugarcane cultivation.  FAS-Lagos forecast a five percent increase in sugarcane area harvested in MY 2025/26, reaching 100,000 hectares, up from the prior year’s estimated 95,000 hectares. 

    The expansion is a direct result of continued investments in sugarcane cultivation. It also projected a significant 100 per cent increase in sugarcane production in MY 2025/26 to 3.5 million metric tons (MMT). However, the dramatic rise is primarily due to an adjustment in yield estimates to a more realistic 35 MT/ha, up from the previously underestimated 18 MT/ha, rather than a massive year-on-year increase in actual output.

     Industry data suggests that yields typically range from 30 MT/ha for smallholder farmers to 40 MT/ha for irrigated plantations. Despite the focus on boosting local production, Nigeria’s refined sugar exports to West Africa and other African countries are expected to remain steady at 375,000 MT in MY 2025/26. The stability is attributed to the anticipated increase in domestic consumption, which will likely absorb any marginal increases in local refining capacity.

    The Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), now extended to 2033, remains a key policy driving investments in the sector. The NSMP II aims to achieve an annual refined sugar production of 1.7 to 1.8 million metric tons and develop 300,000 hectares of irrigated land for sugarcane cultivation across nine states. Major players such as Dangote Sugar, BUA Foods, and Golden Sugar have made substantial investments in line with the NSMP’s objectives. However, stakeholders caution that an increase in harvested area alone may not be sufficient to significantly reduce import dependence without addressing critical bottlenecks in the value chain. These include the persistent issues of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality inputs, suboptimal farming practices, and insecurity in key sugarcane-producing states.

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    The President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, noted this in his assessment: “Production of sugar in Nigeria is yet to meet domestic demand, thereby creating a huge supply gap that is met through import. For self-sufficiency in sugar production, the government must put up a new Sugar Master Plan that must address and resolve the challenges militating against its growth.”

    Egbesola identified critical challenges plaguing the sector, including a lack of adequate local raw materials, environmental constraints, the unavailability of quality seed cane and suitable varieties, poor irrigation infrastructure, limited farm mechanization, insecurity in production areas, and insufficient capital

    He proposed a comprehensive restructuring of the cane industry to enhance efficiency and yields. His recommendations include measures to promote the establishment of cane mills near sugar estates and across sugarcane-producing regions. Furthermore, he stressed the need for capacity building and intervention programs targeting processors and other actors within the sugar production value chain.

    Echoing these concerns, the Provost, College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources at Ladoke Akintola University Ogbomoso, Iseyin Campus, Prof Abel Ogunwale, emphasised the urgent need to increase cultivation as the NSMP concludes. He highlighted the dual threats of insecurity in farmlands and the increasing use of sugarcane for ethanol production.

    To counter these challenges, Ogunwale advocated for robust government support for sugarcane breeding research at institutions such as the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) in Bida and the University of Ilorin Sugar Research Institute.

    He urged these institutions to focus on developing early-maturing varieties suitable for different ecological zones and releasing new sugarcane varieties for commercial cultivation.

     He also called on the government to actively encourage the organized private sector to intensify sugarcane cultivation and its utilization for ethanol production.

    Addressing the critical issue of insecurity, Ogunwale stressed the need to improve the security architecture in major sugarcane-producing areas in the North-west, North-east, and North-central regions, where banditry and insurgency have displaced farmers.

    Additionally, he underscored the importance of intensifying training programmes for both sugarcane farmers and researchers to bridge the knowledge gap hindering the sector’s development.

    Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope with ongoing investment initiatives. The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, recently stated that Nigeria requires a significant $5 billion investment in the sugar sector to achieve self-sufficiency.

     He noted that the local sugar market, currently valued at $2 billion, presents a substantial growth opportunity that necessitates this level of capital injection.

    In a significant move towards attracting investment, the NSDC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese conglomerate SINOMACH for a large-scale sugarcane cultivation and processing project in Nigeria. The Agreement is expected to attract investments worth up to $1 billion.

    According to Bakrin, the partnership is a direct outcome of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership championed by President Bola Tinubu. The MoU outlined SINOMACH’s commitment to constructing a sugar processing plant and developing a sugarcane plantation with an initial annual processing capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes, with a long-term goal of reaching one million metric tonnes.

    Bakrin hailed the agreement as a “strategic milestone” in Nigeria’s pursuit of sugar self-sufficiency, projecting that the project will generate thousands of jobs, stimulate rural infrastructure development, conserve valuable foreign exchange, and serve as a model for broader industrialisation efforts.

    He emphasised the unique nature of the partnership, combining engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) with development financing.

     The NSDC has pledged its full support to ensure the project’s smooth takeoff, including facilitating necessary approvals and land acquisition. Vice President, SINOMACH, Mr. Li Yu,  lauded Nigeria’s implementation of NSMP as a “sweet revolution” aligned with food sovereignty and economic dignity.

    He expressed confidence that the partnership would not only significantly boost Nigeria’s sugar self-sufficiency but also promote rural development, create employment opportunities, and enhance agricultural modernisation. SINOMACH is also exploring RMB-based financing models to potentially lower financing costs and expedite approvals in China.