The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has partnered with Lee Group to establish a major sugar production project in Niger State, marking a significant step toward boosting Nigeria’s local sugar output and reducing reliance on imports.
The proposed project is expected to include large-scale sugarcane cultivation and the construction of a processing plant, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. Industry stakeholders say the initiative will not only strengthen domestic production but also stimulate economic growth in the host communities.
According to officials familiar with the development, the collaboration aims to attract investment into the agricultural value chain, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and promote technology transfer in sugar processing. The project is also projected to enhance rural infrastructure, including roads and irrigation systems, to support farming activities.
The NSDC has continued to push for backward integration in the sugar sector, encouraging investors to develop plantations and processing facilities locally rather than depending heavily on imported raw sugar. By partnering with Lee Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in manufacturing and agriculture, the council hopes to accelerate progress toward national sugar sufficiency targets.
Economic analysts note that Niger State’s vast arable land and favorable climate conditions make it a strategic location for large-scale sugarcane farming. The project is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s annual sugar production capacity once operational.
Stakeholders believe the move signals renewed momentum in the country’s agro-industrial development efforts, with increased private-sector participation seen as crucial to achieving long-term sustainability in the sugar industry.
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