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NSDC’s Kamar Bakrin Drives Nigeria’s Sugar Self-Sufficiency

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NSDC’s Kamar Bakrin says greenfield projects and outgrower programmes are key to Nigeria’s sugar self-sufficiency and economic growth

Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), has said that Nigeria’s greenfield sugar projects and structured outgrower programmes are critical to achieving domestic sugar self-sufficiency.

Also read:  Nigeria Reveals Annual Basic Salaries of Political and Judicial Office Holders

Speaking to Okechukwu Nnodim and select journalists in Abuja, Bakrin highlighted the role of recent Memoranda of Understanding signed with four project promoters.

Each project, he explained, combines large-scale sugarcane cultivation with modern processing facilities and is expected to add roughly 400,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually once fully operational.

The initiatives span the South-West, North-Central, and North-East regions, ensuring broad-based economic benefits, including job creation, infrastructure development, and enterprise growth.

Bakrin noted that GNAL Sugar, promoted by the Lee Group in Taraba State, is progressing steadily.

Taraba’s extensive land availability, reliable water resources, favourable agro-climatic conditions, and government support made it a prime choice for the project.

“We are taking a deliberate, structured approach to ensure long-term viability,” he said.

To support the greenfield projects, NSDC has established dedicated seedcane farms and deployed pre-sprouted bud chip technology via the Nigeria Sugar Institute.

This strategy shortens development cycles, reduces costs, and ensures a consistent supply of quality planting materials.

Bakrin emphasised that the Institute has been repositioned as a national centre of excellence, providing research, training, and technical support to all industry players.

The Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) has also attracted strong interest, Bakrin said.

The programme links farmers directly to licensed processors, offering guaranteed offtake, quality inputs, and technical support.

“This integrated approach reduces risk, boosts productivity, and builds confidence across the sugar value chain,” he added.

Bakrin further highlighted NSDC’s $1bn partnership with SINOMACH as a transformative investment for Nigeria’s sugar industry.

The deal is projected to bring 75,000 hectares under cultivation, produce up to 500,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually, and add 50,000 tonnes-per-day in factory processing capacity.

The initiative is designed to reduce imports, conserve foreign exchange, and create large-scale employment.

“Ambitions of this scale require discipline, sequencing, and rigorous execution,” Bakrin said.

Also read: Gbenga Daniel Praises Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Under Tinubu

“We have laid the groundwork, aligned stakeholders, and established institutional coordination to ensure these projects transition decisively from planning to execution.”

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Wema Bank Opens Final Window for One-Day MD/CEO Challenge Ahead of Children’s Day

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Wema Bank Children’s Day entries close on May 20 as the bank invites children to compete for a one-day MD/CEO experience

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XM Future Music Group Investment Platform Allegedly Collapses, Users Lose Funds

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Nigerian investment platform XM Future Music Group collapses amid concerns leaves users unable to withdraw funds amid concerns over suspected Ponzi scheme promising high returns

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group Signs $300 million Deal With Accor to Develop Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group has signed a letter of intent with Accor, a world leading hospitality group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

The signing took place during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 hosted jointly by Kenya and France in Nairobi.

This ambitious partnership is set to make a significant contribution to the evolving Nigerian hospitality landscape with a substantial investment from Shoreline of $300 million, leveraging Accor’s renowned brand portfolio and expertise.

As gathered the strategic collaboration aims to develop a hotel network across Nigeria, encompassing 10 hotels across eight cities and over 1,200 rooms by 2030.

These properties will span various segments, from midscale to luxury, catering to diverse travelers and contributing significantly to the nation’s tourism growth. The project also includes the establishment of a dedicated hospitality training Academy to nurture local talent and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs.

Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Shoreline Group to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector. This partnership is a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s dynamic future.

“By combining Shoreline’s deep understanding of the local market with Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio, we are poised to create an unparalleled hospitality offering that will set new benchmarks for quality and service.

“Crucially, the establishment of the Accor Academy is integral to this vision, enabling us to deliver immediate talent development for the Shoreline hotel portfolio, demonstrate our long-term commitment to Nigeria through dedicated training facilities, and solidify Accor’s position as the employer and educator of choice in West Africa.”

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland and  Chairman of Shoreline Group, Karim,  commenting on the development said: “This partnership is central to Shoreline’s strategy of building institutional-quality infrastructure platforms across Africa.

“We anticipate hospitality infrastructure becoming increasingly vital for capital movement and development, particularly in Nigeria where high-quality room supply is underserved. Our choice to partner with Accor highlights our focus on operational excellence and long-term value.

“The hospitality academy is crucial, alongside physical hotels, for developing local talent to sustain international standards. It will support our portfolio and enhance Nigeria’s hospitality workforce.

“This investment aligns with Shoreline’s broader focus on strategic assets in energy, infrastructure, and industrial development. We view hospitality as a natural extension: real infrastructure supporting economic activity, local capability, and national growth.”

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