The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three companies to boost sugarcane cultivation and sugar production in the state. The agreement, signed at the Government House in Minna, involves Uttham Sucrotech International, Rite Foods Ltd, Legacy Sugar Company Ltd, and Niger Foods.
This three-year project will establish six sugar mills in Niger State, with four located between Shiroro Local Government Area and Minna, covering 148,000 hectares of land. Uttham Sucrotech International will provide 110,000 outgrowers and produce various by-products of sugarcane, including refined ethanol, power, and cattle feeds.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the agreement as unprecedented and emphasised its potential to significantly improve the livelihoods of the people. He reiterated the state government's commitment to making agriculture the mainstay of the economy and announced that a billion-dollar sovereign guarantee fund would soon be allocated to the sugar project.
Rajan Adlakha, Chairman of Uttham Sucrotech International, highlighted the vast, underutilised land in Niger State and the project's potential to empower local farmers. He assured that the best technology would be brought in for the sugar plants, enabling the state to produce the required litres of ethanol.
Sammy Adigun, Chairman of Niger Foods, noted that Nigeria currently produces only 3% of the sugar it consumes. He expressed confidence that this project would change that narrative. Adigun also mentioned plans to harvest excess water from the Shiroro Dam for the sugar mills and projected that each benefiting farmer would earn between five and six million Naira annually from the project.
Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director and CEO of Rite Foods, stated that the company's role is to ensure consumer demand for the products and provide necessary support to achieve the project's goals, similar to their efforts in Adamawa State.
Alh. Abubakar Isah, representing Legacy Sugar Company, pledged support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce pressure on the dollar and foster community growth and development.
Balarabe Ladan, Director of Project Development and Investment Promotion at the National Sugar Development Council, commended the Niger State government for its bold and timely initiative. He urged other state governments to emulate this model, noting its potential to bring prosperity and reduce social vices.
Other stakeholders and investors also expressed their confidence in the governor's ability to create an enabling environment for investments, reaffirming their commitment to continue investing in Niger State and opening new opportunities for its citizens.