NDE Lauds Dangote Sugar’s $700m Investment in Backward Integration Programme

Business Post reports that so far, Dangote Sugar has committed over $700 million to the scheme aimed to stem the national annual sugar import of over $337 million to enable Nigeria to attain national sugar self-sufficiency which will, in turn, revolutionise the economy of the nation as other people-oriented infrastructures would come with the sugar projects being undertaken under the BIP.

Speaking during a visit to Dangote Group’s pavilion at the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair, Mr Silas Agara, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), said the sugar miller’s action would also create jobs for citizens.

“Dangote Sugar in Tunga in Awe Local Government of Nasarawa State is commendable for improving the Communities in Tunga. It has created job opportunities for the teaming youth and improved livelihoods,” the former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State said.

While noting that the company’s commitment is critical for the development of the sugar industry in Nigeria, the NDE chief said, “Nasarawa is proud of Aliko Dangote (the chairman of Dangote Sugar). Tunga Sugar is a spinner for Nigeria’s economy.”

Mr Agara urged Mr Dangote to step up community advocacy, and more collaboration with stakeholders to drive greater positive change in the communities.

However, he noted that, “There isn’t any dissenting voice on Tunga sugar, and the communities have enjoyed growth and development through the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.”

Recall that recently, members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly visited the Dangote Sugar Tunga BIP project which they described as a blessing to the state.

The Dangote’s Sugar Master Plan and the company’s commitment to the sugar projects in Tunga, Awe Local Government of Nasarawa, and that of Numan in Adamawa State have scaled up the drive towards realization of National Sugar objectives.

The aim is to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four year, through BIP.

Nigeria is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest importers of sugar second only to South Africa, but the Dangote Sugar management assured that by the time the company fully completes its sugar projects in Nasarawa and Adamawa under the BIP, the nation would be saved of more than half of the forex expended on sugar imports annually.