The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh and sugar industry players have reiterated commitment to National Sugar Master plan as House Committee move to Amend NSDC Act
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria’s sugar industry in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target, citing the sector’s potential to drive rural development, job creation, and national value generation.
Enoh made this known at a one-day public hearing held Thursday at the National Assembly on a bill seeking to amend the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Act.
The session brought together key stakeholders in the sugar industry who reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP) — the government’s flagship strategy to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of sugar and related products.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act, CAP N78 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024,” seeks to redefine the powers of the Council and ensure that all monies received are paid into the Federation Account in line with constitutional provisions.
“The NSMP is a vital component of our industrialization drive. However, its success depends on the collective attitude and accountability of both public and private sector actors,” Eno stated.
He added that despite over $2 billion in incentives channelled into the industry under the first and second phases of the Masterplan, its economic output remains modest — currently valued at just $30 billion.
“This amendment is intended to strengthen the law, correct past lapses, and ensure we achieve real import substitution and sustainable local capacity,” the minister said.
In a show of unity, representatives from regulatory bodies and the private sector echoed support for the bill and the sugar policy’s overarching goals.
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, K.C. Egwuh, assured the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued commitment to revenue collection and efforts to promote transparency in the sugar industry.
Former minister Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, representing BUA Group, expressed the company’s firm commitment to the NSMP, noting BUA’s substantial investments in the sector.
“We have developed a nearly 50,000-hectare sugar plantation, with 20,000 hectares already under cultivation, and we’re acquiring another 50,000 hectares. While we’re not where we want to be yet, we are making progress,” he said.
Hong, however, urged lawmakers to balance regulatory ambition with economic sensitivity.
“Fiscal policies must be holistic and sensitive to the realities of Nigerians. As a socially responsible company, we support the backward integration policy and commend the ongoing reforms,” he added.
Also weighing in, Mr. Onome Okurah, Head of Government and Community Relations at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, acknowledged sector-wide challenges but affirmed the company’s resilience.
“We operate on over 6,000 hectares and currently run sugar production for three to four months each year. We believe that with sustained collaboration, we’ll see meaningful progress in the next decade,” he noted.
Consulting firm NINA-JOJER, based in Abuja, submitted detailed concerns around the bill’s provisions on levy utilization, quota allocation, and expanded regulatory powers. The firm called for clearer language to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective enforcement mechanisms.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Rep. Enitan Dolapo Badru, said the hearing was part of a broader legislative agenda to reposition the sugar sector.
“We urge all stakeholders to contribute constructively. Our goal is to build a sustainable and competitive sugar industry that creates jobs, improves livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national development,” he stated.
With consensus building around reforms and legislative adjustments, Nigeria’s sugar sector may finally be on the path to fulfilling its long-touted promise as a catalyst for economic growth and industrial self-reliance.
