The Federal Government has tasked the management of the Dangote Group of Companies to expand the annual production capacity of its subsidiary, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), to 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin, gave the charge during a visit to the DSR complex in Numan, Adamawa State.
The visit was part of ongoing strategic inspections of sugar projects across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to accelerate Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production, according to a Sunday statement by the NSDC.
The minister noted that current local sugar production is far below the 1.8 million metric tonnes consumed annually. He added that, as a leader in the sector, DSR must contribute at least 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030 and sustain the output.
“DSR is a very big player in the industry, one of the three major operators. Our circumstances in this sector will continue to depend on what DSR does. It is very important. Since coming to this ministry, I have found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be hardworking and passionate about sugar sector development. However, he needs the cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.
“I have lost count of the number of times Mr President has spoken about developments in the sugar industry at Federal Executive Council meetings and other sessions,” he said, adding that the 600,000MT target must be delivered by DSR before 2031.
While commending the NSDC for motivating and monitoring operators, the minister noted that the scale of infrastructure, level of investment, and progress—especially at the new 6,000 tonnes-per-day (TCD) plant—reflect a strong commitment to the Backward Integration Programme (BIP).
He also praised the DSR team for improving performance, adding that the Federal Government is ready to support efforts to eliminate obstacles to increased local sugar production.
“I am very pleased with what I have seen today, but scaling up production to meet Mr President’s expectations is crucial. My visit underscores the government’s seriousness about achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, Enoh said the programme was on course but needed faster implementation.
“The NSMP is in its 12th or 13th year and has clear projections. Annual sugar consumption is about 1.8 million metric tonnes. As a leading operator, Dangote Sugar is expected to do more.
“There is a commitment by Dangote Sugar to increase production to about 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030, and the government is ready to support them in achieving this.
“We are aware of challenges, including access to affordable long-term financing, often referred to as patient capital. The government is exploring ways to assist in raising the required funds,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President of Dangote Group, Mr Olakunle Alake, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to scaling up production, assuring that the 600,000MT target would be met by 2030.
During the visit, the minister and the NSDC boss inspected the new 6,000TCD factory expansion site, harvest fields, haulage operations, and new field developments. They also toured the mills, boilers, turbine evaporators, and observed sugar bagging at the warehouse.
