Writing By Sani Suleiman; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Lee Group have announced plans to establish a multi-million-dollar sugar production firm in Taraba State, as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s sugar industry and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
Governor Agbu Kefas welcomed the initiative, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting investors, especially in agriculture and industry.
He described Taraba as peaceful and investment-friendly, noting that Kurmi, Lau and Ibi Local Government Areas are well-suited for large-scale sugar cultivation.
The Governor assured the investors of land availability and necessary logistics to facilitate the project.
Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, who led the delegation, said they were in Taraba to seek the governor’s support for the project’s take-off.
He stressed that sugar is a globally significant commodity, providing employment to about 100 million people across more than 120 countries.
Mr Bakrin highlighted the council’s mandate to regulate and promote the sugar industry, noting its role in technical guidance, feasibility studies, land access and policy coordination for investors.
According to him, national survey showed that Taraba met all technical and environmental criteria, ranking among the most promising sites for sugar cultivation.
He commended Lee Group as a credible partner with the financial and technical capacity to execute the project through its subsidiary, GNAAL Sugar.
Project Director of Lee Group, Lam Wilkins, expressed the company’s readiness to build a world-class sugar facility in Taraba.
He said the investment would boost state revenue, create jobs, support local businesses and empower farmers through an out-grower scheme.
Wilkins added that Lee Group has operated in Nigeria for over six decades, with investments in manufacturing, training and agriculture, and expressed confidence that the Taraba project would become a model public-private partnership in the country.
Sani Suleiman
