NSDC Targets 2025 As Acceleration Year For Sugar Project Development

By AngelLinda Ike

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) said it is targeting 2025 as maximum acceleration for sugar project development.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the council, Kamar Bakrin stated this when he met with representatives of Utham Sucrotech International from India, Niger Food Security Systems & Logistics Ltd and American West African Agro (AWAA).

The meeting explored the scope of activities of Utham in project development in view of the Greenfield project being established by AWAA in Niger State for which Utham will be providing services.

Sanjiv Gulati, the company’s Global Business Development Leader made a presentation intimated the NSDC Boss on its activities which include field and factory establishment of sugar projects across India, Europe and Africa.

He also represented the Utham’s ability to fabricate equipment for sugar projects, adding that 13% sugar recovery has been achieved by the company.

He reiterated their capacity in managing sugar projects and assured the NSDC that Utham’s presence in Nigeria will boost sugar project development and the overall development of the subsector.

A financial expert with Uttam, Flavio Castellari also gave an overview of the Brazilian Sugar industry and funding strategies that can be adopted in Nigeria.

The Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, spoke about financing arrangement through sovereign and corporate guarantee for the development of 100,000Ha Sugar project in Niger State.

He further spoke of the company’s record in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among others.

The NSDC boss assured the investors of adequate support geared towards accelerating the development of projects in Nigeria with emphasis on yield improvement in sugar estates.

He further demanded expectations in Sugar recovery rate with respect to the activities of Utham at the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR). He was assured of 12.3%