Federal Government Directs Dangote Sugar Refinery to Boost Production to 600,000 Metric Tonnes Annually by 2030
The Federal Government has issued a clear mandate to the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), urging the company to ramp up its production capacity to 600,000 metric tonnes (MT) per year by the year 2030. This directive was delivered by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, during a recent inspection visit to the DSR complex located in Numan, Adamawa State. The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, highlighting the collaborative effort between government bodies and private sector stakeholders.
Inspection Aligns with Presidential Directive for Sugar Self-Sufficiency
Senator Enoh emphasized that this visit is part of a broader series of inspections across sugar projects nationwide, initiated in response to President Bola Tinubu's directive to accelerate Nigeria's journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production. He pointed out that Nigeria's annual sugar consumption currently stands at approximately 1.8 million metric tonnes, a figure that far exceeds the existing local production levels. As a dominant player in the industry, Dangote Sugar Refinery is expected to play a pivotal role in narrowing this significant supply gap.
"DSR is a very big player in the industry. Our circumstances in this sector will continue to depend on what DSR does," stated Senator Enoh. "The company must deliver at least 600,000 metric tonnes annually by 2030 and sustain the output thereafter." He commended the National Sugar Development Council for its instrumental role in driving the implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, underscoring that ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders remains absolutely critical for success.
Government Support and Infrastructure Assessment
During the visit, Senator Enoh praised the extensive infrastructure and substantial level of investment observed at the Numan facility, describing it as concrete evidence of Dangote's commitment to the Backward Integration Programme. However, he stressed the urgent need to intensify efforts to meet national targets, assuring that the government is prepared to support operators in overcoming existing challenges. "We are aware that there are issues, including access to affordable long-term finance. Government is ready to work with stakeholders to address them," he affirmed.
The minister added that scaling up production is essential not only for meeting national expectations but also for reducing Nigeria's dependence on sugar imports. He highlighted that the Backward Integration Programme has already generated employment opportunities and added economic value through the local processing of sugarcane, contributing to broader agricultural and industrial development.
Dangote's Commitment and Facility Inspection
In response, the Vice President of the Dangote Group, Mr. Olakunle Alake, assured the minister of the company's unwavering commitment to expanding its production capacity. He confirmed that Dangote Sugar Refinery will invest additional resources to achieve the ambitious target of 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030, aligning with the government's objectives.
The inspection tour included a detailed review of the new 6,000 tonnes-per-day factory expansion site, as well as harvest fields, mills, and various processing facilities. The team also examined haulage systems, boilers, turbines, and sugar bagging operations at the warehouse, providing a comprehensive overview of the refinery's operations and potential for growth.
Background on the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan
It is important to note that the Federal Government recently launched the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), a strategic initiative designed to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, reduce reliance on imported sugar, and bridge the massive gap between local production and the national consumption rate of about 1.8 million metric tonnes annually. This plan serves as the foundation for the government's current efforts and targets, including the directive to Dangote Sugar Refinery.
