Sunday Ehigiator
Nigeria has taken a significant step towards achieving its target of producing two million metric tonnes (MT) of sugar annually, as National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) graduated the first cohort of specialists trained under its flagship residential capacity-building programme designed to drive the implementation of National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0.
The programme, held at Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), Ilorin, is aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce capable of improving efficiency across Nigeria’s sugar value chain, from sugarcane cultivation to industrial processing, as the country intensifies efforts to reduce dependence on sugar imports.
Speaking at the graduation of the pioneer cohort, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said the future of Nigeria’s sugar industry depended on building professionals with the technical expertise to improve both farm productivity and factory efficiency.
According to Bakrin, National Sugar Master Plan 2.0 places strong emphasis on strengthening critical areas, such as land preparation, irrigation, high-yield seed cane production, and factory operations to transform the sector into a profitable and sustainable industry.
Bakrin stated, “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. Under the performance-driven framework of NSMP 2.0, we are holding operators to strict accountability.
“We must develop personnel who master both leading-practice cane yields and peak extraction efficiency to unlock long-term economic viability.”
Bakrin stated that the response from industry stakeholders to the maiden programme exceeded expectations, highlighting the urgent need for skilled technical personnel across the sector.
he said, “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.”
The pioneer cohort comprised 39 professionals, who underwent intensive residential training between June 29 and July 3, while a second cohort of 41 participants was scheduled to begin training on July 13.
Participants received practical and classroom instruction in sugarcane biology, variety selection, irrigation and water management, crop productivity, yield optimisation, and other aspects of sugar production.
A key feature of the programme was the introduction of practical “Cane Clinics,” where trainees analysed real-life farm challenges after field exercises, identified operational bottlenecks, and jointly developed practical solutions with industry experts.
To complement the technical training, participants also visited the National Museum and the Innovation Hub in Ilorin, exposing them to Nigeria’s industrial heritage and innovation ecosystem.
The programme was conducted at the Nigeria Sugar Institute’s purpose-built residential campus, which included a 50-room accommodation facility and collaborative learning spaces designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing.
NSDC said the initiative also brought together professionals from across Nigeria’s major sugar-producing organisations, including Dangote’s Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Progressive Farmers’ Groups, and the council itself.
According to the council, the cross-sector participation is intended to break institutional silos and ensure that technical knowledge is transferred directly to operators responsible for delivering the objectives of the National Sugar Master Plan 2.0.
NSDC said by investing in human capital and strengthening technical capacity across the industry, Nigeria was laying the foundation for a more competitive and self-sufficient sugar sector capable of meeting the country’s domestic demand while supporting industrial growth and economic diversification.