ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) with transforming Nigeria’s sugar sector within three months, amid concerns over underperformance and lack of compliance in the industry.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, made the announcement via his official social media account, stating that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
“The sugar industry holds enormous potential to drive job creation, boost GDP, and revitalize rural economies,” Enoh said. “But this can only be realized through committed execution and transparent governance.”
According to the Minister, the federal government has extended considerable support to operators through access to finance, import quotas, and foreign exchange.
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However, progress in the Backward Integration Program (BIP)—a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sugar policy—has remained below expectations.
“This Board has been charged with the responsibility of correcting this course within three months,” Enoh declared. “We must ensure that the BIP is fully implemented, brownfield and greenfield projects are strategically supported, and performance audits become routine.”
He warned that any stakeholder failing to comply with the set standards would face strict penalties, including quota withdrawal and exclusion from future government initiatives. “As Honourable Minister, I have emphasized the need for credible investment, robust technical support, and a strict performance monitoring system,” he added.
Enoh expressed confidence in the leadership of Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the new NSDC board chairman, stating that the board must “uphold the values of accountability and excellence” in repositioning Nigeria as a key sugar producer and exporter.
The minister’s message reinforces a deontological approach to public policy—emphasizing the duty of the state to act with integrity, enforce rules without bias, and hold stakeholders accountable regardless of the economic pressure or influence.