Nigeria’s push for sugar independence has gained fresh momentum. Mr. Kamar Bakrin, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), has announced that comprehensive reforms at the Nigerian Sugar Institute (NSI) are specifically designed to eliminate the country’s massive sugar production deficit.
Speaking in a recent interview, Bakrin clarified the role of the NSI, repositioning it as the “technical backbone” of the industry and a shared platform for research and manpower development.
The “Center of Excellence” Strategy
The reforms are moving the NSI beyond theory into high-impact, industry-facing operations. Based in Ilorin, Kwara State, the institute is now functioning as a national hub for:
- Modern Seedcane Technology: Deploying “bud chip” technology, which can cut 12 to 18 months off the project development cycle by accelerating the multiplication of disease-free planting materials.
- Manpower Development: Over 60 staff have undergone advanced technical training, and the new NSDC/NSI Boot Camp is providing hands-on experience in refining, quality control, and industrial safety.
- Specialized Labs: The institute’s bio-factories and tissue culture laboratories are now being utilized by major operators like Golden Sugar and BUA’s LASUCO for varietal development and soil analysis.
Bridging the $2 Billion Market Gap
Bakrin noted that the Nigerian sugar market is currently valued at over $2 billion, yet the country remains heavily reliant on raw sugar imports. To fix this, the NSDC is executing a multi-pronged offensive:
- Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP): Integrating local farmers directly into the value chain through guaranteed offtake deals and technical support.
- $1 Billion SINOMACH Deal: A landmark partnership with a Chinese conglomerate to develop up to five massive sugar estates.
- Greenfield Projects: Four new estates in Oyo, Niger, Adamawa, and Bauchi states are projected to add 400,000 metric tonnes to Nigeria’s annual output.
“The Nigerian Sugar Institute exists to ensure consistent access to quality planting materials and skilled manpower. These reforms are positioning the Institute as a credible national centre of excellence,” — Kamar Bakrin
The Road to Self-Sufficiency
By leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Bakrin believes Nigeria can transition from an importer to Africa’s “cost leader” in sugar production. The current goal is to bring 50,000 hectares under cultivation through commercial outgrower schemes, particularly in regions like Numan, Bacita, and Sunti.
