Government Urged to Enhance Sugar Production Capacity
Senator John Owan Hinoh, Minister of State for Industries, has called on the management of the Dangote Group to increase the annual production capacity of its subsidiary, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), to 600,000 tonnes by 2030. This directive was issued during a visit to the Dangote Sugar Mill Complex in Numan, Adamawa State, where he was accompanied by Mr. Kamal Bakrin, the Director-General of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
Strategic Inspection Aligned with National Objectives
The minister’s visit is part of a broader strategic inspection of sugar initiatives nationwide, aimed at fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in sugar production. During their tour, Hinoh and Bakrin assessed the site for a new 6000TCD factory, inspected harvest fields, and reviewed transportation logistics and new field developments. They also toured the factory facilities, including the boiler and turbine systems, and witnessed the sugar bagging process in the warehouse.
Current Production vs. National Consumption Needs
Hinoh emphasized that local sugar production is currently insufficient compared to the country’s annual consumption of 1.8 million metric tons. He underscored the crucial role of Dangote Sugar Mill as a leading industry player, asserting that the company must ensure a steady contribution of at least 600,000 metric tons by 2030.
Commitment to Industry Growth Highlighted
Recognizing DSR’s significant position in the sugar sector, Hinoh remarked, “Our situation in this sector will largely depend on DSR’s actions.” He praised the ongoing efforts of Bakrin and the NSDC in advancing the industry, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). The minister noted multiple instances where the President emphasized the importance of sugar industry development during Federal Executive Committee (FEC) meetings.
Infrastructure Development and Progress Acknowledged
During the site tour, Hinoh commended the NSDC for its role in motivating and monitoring industry operators. He observed that the investment levels and the progress of infrastructure in DSR, particularly with the new 6000 TCD plants, signal a strong commitment to the objectives of the Backward Integration Program (BIP).
Continued Support from the Federal Government
In response to inquiries from journalists during the visit, Hinoh reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate with DSR to eliminate barriers to enhancing local sugar production. He expressed satisfaction with the current operations but stressed the urgency of scaling up production to align with presidential expectations. His visit aimed to reinforce the government’s commitment to achieving national self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Investment in Future Production Capacity
Mr. Olakunle Arake, Vice President of the Dangote Group, assured the Minister of the company’s renewed commitment to expanding its production capacity and investing additional resources. He expressed confidence that the target of 600,000 tonnes by 2030 is attainable, emphasizing the cooperative relationship needed between the government and the company to reach this goal.
