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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has challenged the Dangote Group to ramp up production at its sugar arm and deliver 600,000 metric tonnes annually by 2030, as part of efforts to cut Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports.
Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, made the statement during an inspection visit to the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) complex in Numan, Adamawa State.
He was joined by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin, on the tour, which forms part of ongoing checks on key sugar projects nationwide.
The move, according to the minister, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to fast-track Nigeria’s journey to self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Enoh lamented that local output still falls far below the country’s annual demand of about 1.8 million metric tonnes, stressing that industry leaders like Dangote Sugar Refinery must step up.
“Dangote Sugar is a major player. What happens in this sector largely depends on its performance. The target of 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030 is non-negotiable,” he said.
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He added that the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan must be accelerated, noting that it has been in operation for over a decade without meeting key projections.
The minister, however, praised the level of investment and infrastructure at the Numan facility, especially the ongoing 6000 tonnes-per-day plant expansion, describing it as clear evidence of commitment to the Backward Integration Programme.
He assured the company of government support, particularly in addressing challenges such as access to long-term financing.
“There are still hurdles, especially around affordable funding. Government is ready to collaborate and provide the needed support to help operators scale up,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Vice President of Dangote Group, Olakunle Alake, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to meet the target.
He said the firm is stepping up investment across its operations and remains confident of hitting the 600,000 metric tonnes mark by 2030.
During the visit, the minister inspected key sections of the facility, including the new factory site, plantation fields, processing units, and storage systems, as part of efforts to assess progress and push for faster delivery of results.
