Nigeria govt unveils Sugarcane scheme to boost local production

The Nigerian government through the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has unveiled its Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating local sugar production and driving Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

According to the Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, the programme is a key component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and has been designed to scale up local sugarcane production, reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, and stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly within rural communities.

Mr Bakrin further emphasised that this is a pioneering initiative in Nigeria’s sugar sector.

“The SODP is designed to boost local sugarcane cultivation, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the industry’s supply chain. This programme will complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates and help close the national supply gap.

“For the first time, a structured outgrower development programme will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain.

“This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production.”

Speaking on the programme framework, the Head of Out-Grower Management at the NSDC, Mrs Lade Offurum, explained that the SODP will engage three key categories of farmers: agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50–500+ hectares; farming cooperatives; and individual farmers or friends willing to jointly farm clusters of 30+ hectares.

According to her application, the initiative closes on 21st November 2025.