NSDC targets higher sugar output through specialised industry training

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has commenced the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0 with the completion of the first cohort of a specialised residential technical training programme designed to develop the skilled workforce needed to expand Nigeria’s domestic sugar production and reduce dependence on imports.

According to a statement by the council on Monday, the initiative marks a major step in the execution of the revised sugar development strategy, which targets the production of two million metric tonnes of sugar locally by strengthening technical capacity across sugarcane cultivation and factory operations.

Speaking at the Nigeria Sugar Institute campus in Ilorin, Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, said achieving sugar self-sufficiency would require a new generation of highly skilled professionals capable of improving productivity throughout the industry’s value chain.

He explained that the National Sugar Master Plan 2.0 places strong emphasis on improving land preparation, irrigation systems, high-yield seed cane production and efficient factory operations to transform Nigeria’s sugar industry into a competitive, profitable and sustainable sector.

According to Bakrin, improvements in either farming or factory operations alone will not be sufficient to achieve the country’s sugar production ambitions.

“Neither field productivity nor factory efficiency, on its own, can move the needle greatly. True sustainability and the ultimate elimination of our import dependency demands that we fuse the two,” he said.

He added that under the performance-driven framework of NSMP 2.0, operators would be held to strict accountability while the council focuses on developing professionals with expertise in both high-yield sugarcane production and optimal sugar extraction.

“We must develop personnel who master both leading-practice cane yields and peak extraction efficiency to unlock long-term economic viability,” Bakrin stated.

He noted that the strong response from industry stakeholders to the maiden edition of the programme highlights the growing demand for technical expertise within the sector.

“The market’s response to the maiden initiative has already shattered expectations. The overwhelming demand and deep engagement from stakeholders underscore an acute technical talent deficit that the NSDC is systematically addressing to support rapid sector expansion,” he added.

According to the council, the pioneer cohort consisted of 39 professionals who underwent intensive residential training between June 29 and July 3, 2026. A second batch of 41 participants is scheduled to commence training on July 13.

Participants received practical instruction covering sugarcane biology, variety selection, irrigation management, water-use efficiency and yield optimisation. The programme also featured practical “Cane Clinics,” where trainees analysed real-life farming challenges and developed solutions alongside experienced industry experts.

To broaden participants’ exposure, the training included visits to the National Museum and the Innovation Hub in Ilorin, providing insights into Nigeria’s industrial heritage and innovation ecosystem, the statement noted.

The Council said the programme attracted participants from major operators across Nigeria’s sugar industry, including Dangote’s Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Progressive Farmers’ Groups and the NSDC.

It added that the specialised training initiative is expected to strengthen technical capacity across the sugar value chain and accelerate the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan 2.0, positioning the industry to increase local production, improve operational efficiency and move Nigeria closer to long-term sugar self-sufficiency.