The National Sugar Development Council, NSDC, has solicited the support of governors of sugar-producing states for the guidelines on implementation of Phase 2 of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, NSMP, to succeed.
Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, in a statement by the council’s Head of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Abdullahi, said the NSMP requires the inputs of critical stakeholders like state governors for it to succeed.
Adedeji, who stated this in Lafia during a visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman, Forum of Governors of Sugar Producing States, Engr. Sule Abdullahi, said the sugar council state governors as landlords of sugar projects in their respective domains have contributed to the modest success so far recorded in the industry.
Recall that the Federal Government had in 2013 began the implementation of a 10-year master plan to revamp sugar sector, which is expected to elapse in 2023.
Code-named the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, NSMP, the policy 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.
Speaking on the current status of the master plan, Adedeji said given the importance of the sector to Nigeria’s economy, and considerable success recorded in the last 10 years, President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the phase 2 of the master plan which is expected to run for another 10 years beginning from 2023.
“Your excellency, sir, 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,” he said.
Also speaking, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State thanked the delegation for the visit, and noted that as a product of the sector who understands the opportunities and its numerous potentials, pledged the continuous support of the Forum he heads to revitalize the sector.
“The sugar sector is so dear to President Muhammadu Buhari. There’s hardly anytime we meet to discuss on progress and developments in the agricultural sector that the President wouldn’t ask about the sugar industry. He sees the sugar industry as the pride of the nation’s economy. My Forum will continue to support the industry to achieve her full potential,” Sule said.
