Recognising the vital role of the sugar industry and the need to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on sugar imports, the government in 2012, made an audacious move to boost local sugar production. This involved the strengthening of the existing sugar plants, establishing new ones, and supporting sugarcane farmers with credit, supplies, and better infrastructure.
In line with this, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) (the main focal agency responsible for the regulation of all activities in the sugar sub-sector ranging from production, marketing, importation and enforcement of relevant industry standards in collaboration with relevant government agencies), crafted a strategic plan known as the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production within a decade.
The NSMP received approval from the Federal Government in September 2012, and its implementation commenced on January 1, 2013.
Source : Vanguard
