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The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, has emphasised the strategic importance of Nigeria’s sugar sector in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy. Enoh stated this during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Industry.

“The sugar sector has a significant role to play in the President’s commitment to a $1 trillion economy,” Enoh said. “Our approach must ensure it contributes effectively to job creation and rural economic development.”

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The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing that full implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan could save the nation over $1 billion in foreign exchange annually.

“We require about $4.5 billion in investments to fully achieve the NSMP’s objectives,” Bakrin said. “Investor confidence is therefore crucial, and this can only be attained through transparent and rule-based policies.

However, Bakrin expressed concern over a recent government directive mandating that 50% of the sugar levy be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, warning that such a move could undermine sectoral progress.

“The sugar levy was not intended as a general revenue-generating mechanism but as a dedicated fund to support the sector’s growth,” Bakrin cautioned. “Redirecting it threatens to defeat its original purpose.”

Other stakeholders, including representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the BUA Group, also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the importance of policy stability and clear regulatory frameworks.

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“We urge lawmakers to clearly define roles to avoid duplication,” said Iba Edward, representing NAFDAC. Aliyu Idi Hong, representing BUA Group, stressed the importance of policy stability to sustain investor interest, while Mr. Onome Okurah, Head of Government and Community Relations at Flour Mills of Nigeria, shared ongoing efforts to boost local production.

The Chairman of the House Committee, Enitan Dolapo Badru, assured all stakeholders that the amendment process would be inclusive and aimed at empowering the NSDC to fulfil its mandate effectively

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