Niger State is set to transform its agricultural and economic landscape with a landmark $5 billion agreement to establish a sugar production hub.
Signed on September 18, 2024, under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration, the deal brings together three major partners: Uttham Sucrotech International, Rite Foods Ltd, and Legacy Sugar Company Ltd.
The initiative is expected to drive sugarcane cultivation, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in sugar production. Governor Bago described the agreement as a “game-changer,” highlighting its potential to reduce unemployment and strengthen food security in the state.
The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Minna, outlines a comprehensive three-year plan for establishing Niger State as a key player in Nigeria’s sugar industry. It involves the development of six sugar mills, four of which will be located between Shiroro and Minna, strategically positioned for optimal productivity.
With approximately 148,000 hectares earmarked for sugarcane cultivation, the project aims to address Nigeria’s low domestic sugar production, which currently accounts for only 3% of its total consumption.
Central to the initiative is an out-grower scheme that will involve around 110,000 local farmers in sugarcane farming. Uttham Sucrotech International will oversee this model, ensuring that small-scale farmers are integrated into the production process.
Beyond sugar, the project seeks to maximize value by producing ethanol, generating power, and manufacturing cattle feed from sugarcane by-products.
Governor Bago emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State, and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”
Stakeholders involved in the project have expressed optimism about its potential. Rajan Adlakha, Chairman of Uttham Sucrotech Company, highlighted the state’s vast agricultural capacity, describing the project as an opportunity to empower farmers and utilize underexploited land.
Similarly, Sammy Adigun, Chairman of Niger Foods, stressed the importance of harnessing excess water from Shiroro Dam to support irrigation and sustain sugarcane cultivation. Rite Foods Managing Director Seleem Adegunwa assured that his company would help create a stable market for the initiative’s products, ensuring long-term viability.
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