The Federal Government has called for a 600,000 metric tonnes annual production target for the Dangote Sugar Refinery, DSR, by 2030, as part of efforts to fast-track Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, made the call during an inspection visit to the DSR complex in Numan, Adamawa State, alongside the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, NSDC, Kamar Bakrin.
The visit forms part of ongoing nationwide assessments of sugar projects, in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to accelerate implementation of policies aimed at achieving domestic sufficiency.
Enoh noted that Nigeria’s current sugar output remains significantly below its annual consumption of about 1.8 million metric tonnes, stressing that leading operators in the sector must scale up production to bridge the gap.
He described Dangote Sugar as a critical player in the industry, adding that its performance would largely influence the sector’s overall trajectory.
“Dangote Sugar remains central to our aspirations. As one of the top operators, its output will significantly determine how quickly we achieve the objectives of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan,” the minister said.
He acknowledged the commitment of the NSDC leadership in driving sector reforms but emphasised that broader collaboration among stakeholders is essential to realise the goals of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, NSMP.
Enoh further disclosed that discussions around sugar sector development frequently feature in Federal Executive Council deliberations, underscoring the priority the administration places on the industry.
While commending ongoing investments at the Numan facility, particularly the 6,000 tonnes-per-day, TCD, plant expansion, the minister said the scale of infrastructure and level of project execution reflect tangible progress under the Backward Integration Programme, BIP.
He assured the company of the government’s readiness to address constraints hindering increased local production, including access to long-term financing.
According to him, efforts are underway to explore mechanisms that would enable operators secure affordable “patient capital” required to expand operations.
Responding, Vice President of Dangote Group, Olakunle Alake, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to scaling up production, expressing confidence that the 600,000 metric tonnes target would be achieved by 2030.
The inspection tour covered key operational areas of the facility, including the new factory expansion site, cane fields, haulage systems, processing units, and packaging operations at the refinery.
