The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a multi-million-dollar sugar production project in Taraba State through the National Sugar Development Council, NSDC, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic sugar production and achieve self-sufficiency.
Leading a delegation to Jalingo, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, met with Governor Agbu Kefas and top officials of the Taraba State Government to secure support for the initiative. Also present were representatives of Lee Group, a private investor partnering in the project.
Bakrin explained that the new investment would substantially expand Nigeria’s sugar production capacity, cut import dependence, and promote industrial and economic growth across the region.
He further outlined the Council’s commitment to supporting investors with access to financing, feasibility studies, technical assistance, research, and suitable land acquisition.
“Sugar is a major socio-economic commodity globally, supporting about 100 million jobs across more than 120 countries. Sugar estates also promote rural development and environmental sustainability,” Bakrin said.
He revealed that Taraba State passed all technical and environmental suitability assessments, positioning it as a prime location for large-scale sugar production.
Bakrin also disclosed that Lee Group, through its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, had satisfied all regulatory and technical requirements, confirming its credibility as an investor capable of delivering on the project’s scope and objectives.
In his remarks, Governor Agbu Kefas assured the NSDC and its partners of the state government’s full cooperation, emphasizing that Taraba is open for investment and ready to support ventures that promote agricultural and economic transformation.
Kefas highlighted Taraba’s abundant natural resources and extensive arable land, describing them as ideal for large-scale agricultural projects, particularly sugar production.
He added that the state has overcome past security challenges and now offers a stable and secure environment for investors, encouraging stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities within Taraba’s agricultural value chain.
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