The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) is intensifying efforts to achieve Nigeria’s target of producing 2 million metric tonnes of sugar annually.
The Council, while launching elite training cohorts to drive Nigeria’s sugar revolution, said the strategic initiative would shift the sector from policy formulation to aggressive implementation.
According to a statement by the NSDC, the initiative is anchored on the strategic framework of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).
The statement said the Council had successfully concluded the pioneer cohort of its landmark residential training programme.
“This initiative signals a definitive push to build a world-class workforce capable of transforming the nation’s industrial landscape, aligning field and factory capabilities to achieve the national target of 2 million metric tonnes (MT) of domestic sugar production.
“The NSDC explained that, speaking at the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) campus in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said the future of the industry depends on a new calibre of specialised professionals capable of driving efficiency and profitability across the value chain.
“Under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0, this means executing core empirical pillars—from accelerated land preparation and advanced irrigation to high-yield seed cane production and optimised factory operations—to permanently transition the Nigerian sugar sector into a highly profitable, bankable asset class.
“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.
“‘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 Executive Secretary said.
The Council added that the intensive curriculum departs from conventional classroom teaching in favour of a dynamic, experiential learning framework.
“The pioneer cohort brought together 39 professionals from June 29 to July 3, 2026, while a second cohort of 41 trainees is scheduled to commence on July 13, 2026.
“Participants underwent rigorous training covering sugarcane biology, variety selection, water management and yield optimisation. However, the programme’s distinct competitive edge lies in its tactical ‘Cane Clinics’.
“To foster a broader perspective on legacy and modernisation, the technical sessions were complemented by immersive visits to the National Museum and the Innovation Hub in Ilorin. The entire experience was supported by the NSI’s purpose-built infrastructure, including its 50-room residential block and dedicated collaborative spaces designed to encourage cross-industry networking.
“In a powerful display of sectoral unity, the programme successfully broke down corporate silos to advance national economic objectives. Reflecting the operator-specific accountability championed by NSMP 2.0, the cohorts drew participants directly from the front lines of major industry players, bringing together professionals from Dangote’s Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Progressive Farmers’ Groups and the NSDC.
“By embedding world-class technical capabilities directly into these organisations, the NSDC is ensuring that Nigeria’s journey towards sugar self-sufficiency is structured, performance-backed and permanent,” the statement added.