NSDC Targets 2025 for Major Boost in Sugar Development
NSDC Targets 2025 for Major Boost in Sugar Development:The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin, has outlined 2025 as a key year for accelerating sugar project development in Nigeria. During a meeting held on Friday with representatives from Utham Sucrotech International, Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Ltd, and American West African Agro (AWAA), Bakrin emphasized the council’s focus on boosting sugar production efforts.
According to a statement released on Sunday, discussions revolved around Utham’s involvement in the Greenfield sugar project led by AWAA in Niger State. Utham Sucrotech, an Indian company with extensive experience in sugar production across India, Europe, and Africa, will play a significant role in advancing the project. Sanjiv Gulati, Utham’s Global Business Development Leader, highlighted the firm’s ability to fabricate equipment and achieve up to 13% sugar recovery in existing operations. He assured Bakrin that Utham’s expertise would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s sugar sector growth.
the financial expert
Financial expert Flavio Castellari, also with Utham, shared insights from the Brazilian sugar industry and suggested funding models that could benefit Nigeria. Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, discussed the financing structure for the 100,000-hectare sugar project in Niger State, which is backed by both sovereign and corporate guarantees. Adigun also emphasized the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility as part of the project.
Bakrin reaffirmed NSDC’s support for the investors, stressing the importance of improving sugar yield across estates. He also sought clarification on Utham’s sugar recovery rates, particularly at Dangote Sugar Refinery, where Gulati confirmed a recovery rate of 12.3%. Several NSDC officials, including Director of Strategy and Performance Management Edirin Akemu, and Senior Adviser Teslim Bello, were also present at the meeting.