FG Targets 300,000MT Output from Golden Sugar by 2030

News in brief:

-The Federal Government has directed Golden Sugar Company to reach 300,000MT annual production by 2030.

-The move forms part of efforts to close Nigeria’s sugar supply gap and strengthen local production.

Nigeria's Federal Government has tasked Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC to scale up the annual production capacity of its subsidiary, Golden Sugar Company, to 300,000 metric tonnes (MT) by 2030 as part of efforts to achieve sugar self-sufficiency.

The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, during a visit to the company’s facility in Sunti, Niger State, alongside the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin.

The visit formed part of ongoing inspections of sugar projects nationwide, aligned with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate Nigeria’s attainment of sugar self-sufficiency.

Speaking during the tour, the minister noted that Nigeria’s current local sugar production remains significantly below its annual consumption of about 1.8 million MT.

He stressed that Golden Sugar Company must play a critical role in bridging this gap by meeting the 300,000MT production target by 2030.

Backward Integration Drive Gains Momentum

Enoh described activities at the Sunti complex as a strong reflection of the government’s Backwards Integration Programme, highlighting its impact on industrial growth and employment generation.

According to him, the facility, which employs thousands of workers at peak operations, demonstrates the potential of local production to drive economic development.

However, he noted that despite progress, output levels still fall short of national expectations, emphasising the need for accelerated expansion.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting industrial players through policy incentives and financing mechanisms aimed at boosting local production capacity.

He maintained that the government remains focused on industrialisation as a pathway to economic growth and reduced import dependence.

NSDC Calls for Accountability and Efficiency

Bakrin acknowledged Golden Sugar Company's progress but stressed the need for sustained improvement and accountability in delivering results. He noted that achieving national targets would require efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and collaboration between stakeholders across the value chain.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Golden Sugar Company, Boye Olusanya, disclosed that the company currently cultivates about 6,600 hectares, producing roughly 20,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually. He said plans are underway to significantly expand production capacity, with a target of reaching 290,000 metric tonnes by 2030.

As part of the visit, the minister and his delegation toured the company’s farm and processing facilities and commissioned a newly constructed Sugar Training School within the complex.

The training centre is expected to support capacity building and skills development in Nigeria’s sugar industry, reinforcing efforts to achieve long-term sectoral growth.