The Nationwide Sugar Growth Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group have unveiled plans for the institution of a large-scale sugar manufacturing property in Taraba State, marking a big milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to attain self-sufficiency in sugar manufacturing.
In keeping with a press release by the Council, Kamar Bakrin, Govt Secretary and Chief Govt Officer of NSDC, led a delegation comprising officers of the Council and high administration of the Lee Group to Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, to hunt the assist and collaboration of Governor Agbu Kefas and the state authorities for the venture.
In the course of the go to, Bakrin defined that the initiative varieties a part of the Council’s strategic drive to strengthen Nigeria’s sugar worth chain, enhance native manufacturing capability, and create jobs throughout the nation.
He described sugar as a significant socio-economic commodity globally, using tens of millions and serving as a driver of rural improvement.
“Sugar is an extremely vital socio-economic product globally, using about 100 million individuals in over 120 nations. Sugar estates are sometimes situated in rural areas, and so they naturally drive native improvement with out inflicting environmental degradation. In truth, sugar cultivation contributes positively to environmental sustainability,” he acknowledged.
The NSDC boss disclosed {that a} complete nationwide examine carried out by the Council had recognized about 1.2 million hectares of land nationwide as appropriate for sugar improvement, noting that Taraba ranked among the many most promising places.
“Taraba State has handed all our technical and environmental suitability standards with flying colors. We think about the state some of the strategic websites for sugar funding in Nigeria. The Lee Group, by means of its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, has additionally met our necessities as a reputable investor with each monetary power and technical experience,” he added.
Talking on behalf of the Lee Group, Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, Mission Director, expressed the corporate’s dedication to growing a multi-million-dollar sugar property in Taraba State, citing the state’s immense agricultural potential and beneficial funding local weather.
“We’re not right here merely to current an thought, we’re right here to construct a long-lasting partnership. Our funding will improve the state’s income base, create vital employment alternatives, stimulate native enterprise, and empower farming communities by means of an inclusive out-grower scheme,” Wilkins mentioned.
He highlighted the Lee Group’s six-decade presence in Nigeria, emphasizing its robust report in manufacturing, coaching, and agriculture. “With the continued assist of His Excellency and the nice individuals of Taraba State, we’re assured that this venture will turn into a mannequin for sugar improvement in Nigeria and a testomony to what robust public–non-public collaboration can obtain,” he added.
Responding, Agbu Kefas, Taraba state Governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to offer a conducive setting for traders, notably within the agricultural and industrial sectors. He described Taraba as “nature’s present to the nation,” blessed with huge arable land and plentiful pure assets appropriate for large-scale agricultural ventures.
Learn additionally: NSDC launches sugarcane outgrower development programme to boost local production
Kefas assured the delegation that the state was now peaceable and safe, having addressed earlier safety challenges, and urged traders to reap the benefits of the alternatives obtainable within the state’s rising agricultural sector.
He recognized Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Native Authorities Areas as superb places for large-scale sugar cultivation and processing, pledging to offer the mandatory land and different types of assist to make sure the success of the venture.
The governor additionally known as for the institution of a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the state authorities, NSDC, and the Lee Group to coordinate and fast-track the venture’s implementation.
