The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa State Government to increase sugar production and move the country closer to self-sufficiency in the sector.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa.
Utsev said the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security, job creation, youth empowerment, and economic development.
He described the initiative as a strategic effort to improve citizens’ livelihoods and pledged to visit the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation firsthand.
The minister said the visit would help determine possible areas of federal intervention to enhance the factory’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Governor Namadi said the visit aimed to seek the ministry’s support in ensuring a steady water supply to the factory, which is crucial for uninterrupted sugar production.
He stressed that regular operation of the facility would not only stimulate economic growth in Jigawa but also contribute to national development goals.
Nigeria currently produces only a fraction of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports despite having significant refining capacity. This dependence exposes the sector to global market fluctuations.
States such as Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been earmarked as key hubs for sugar production, with major investments already underway—particularly in Nasarawa.
Experts believe that boosting domestic sugar output will require coordinated efforts, including improved irrigation systems, land access, and stronger policy enforcement.
With the right support, Jigawa and other states could play a crucial role in transforming Nigeria into a self-sufficient sugar-producing nation.
