The Sugar Council will penalize operators who violate the guidelines of the master plan.

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) says it will penalize operators who violate the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) guidelines.

Zacch Adedeji, NSDC Executive Secretary, said this at the official launch of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Illorin, Kwara State on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Yunusa, head of public affairs, Adedeji said that the year 2023 will be dedicated to Nigeria’s vigorous and data-driven pursuit of self-sufficiency in sugar production.

He added that the year marked the end of the implementation of phase one of the NSMP and the beginning of the second phase.

In 2012, the federal government approved a 10-year regulatory document for the sugar sector known as the Nigerian sugar master plan.

Last year, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) passed the second phase of the NSMP.

Adedeji, who also praised the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the sugar sector the attention it deserves, noted that the agency will not hesitate to “sanction anyone who deliberately distorts the sugar master plan.”

“Just last year, Mr. President, you approved the presidential intervention on sugarcane irrigation so that sugar operators cushion the effect of losses and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020,” he added.

“For us on the council, the year 2023 is both historic and momentous. 2023 will mark the end of phase one of the Nigerian sugar master plan which started in 2013, while 2023 will also mark the beginning of the implementation of phase two of the Nigerian sugar master plan which will run until 2033. So, already we have our work. cut for us.

“The next 10 years are very important for us as a sector. We will not hesitate to penalize anyone who deliberately misrepresents the sugar master plan.

“Our work in the sugar council is both regulatory and development. We pride ourselves more as development partners than regulators. Ours is to provide the enabling environment, formulate policies and provide technical support to investors who are interested in taking advantage of the enormous opportunities in the sector. Our doors are wide open to willing investors.”

FUNDAMENTAL DATA AND TECHNOLOGY TO RENEW THE SUGAR SECTOR

Adedeji, speaking further about the council’s plans for the year, said that positioning Nigeria’s sugar sector for global competitiveness requires the adoption of data and technology.

“Without hanging words, research, data and technology are critical ingredients needed to build a sugar sector that would place Nigeria among the continent’s top sugar producers,” Adedeji said.

“It was in the realization of this irrefutable fact that the council deemed it prudent to commit both the human and material resources that gave rise to this institute. I salute the foresight and vision of my predecessors who started the whole process in the first place.”

“We are committed to implementing programs, policies and innovations that would accelerate Nigeria’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production through faithful implementation of the NSMP.”

“It is a known fact that the nation’s sugar sector has witnessed some significant reforms in the last 10 years.

“The sector is now well regulated, stakeholder roles clearly defined, enabling laws and policies made to help growth, and a heavy reliance on modern technology to drive the process forward.”

The executive secretary said that the institute is the training and development arm of the NSCD.

According to Adedeji, he has a responsibility to impart knowledge and train experts in the sector.

“We are also asking the main sugar operators to bring their workers here in the future for training in both factory and field matters. The institute has put in place all the necessary manpower and facilities to meet the training needs and aspirations of sugar companies and factories,” he added.

“In addition, this institute provides direct jobs to more than 100 Nigerians and indirect jobs to the members of the community that hosts it. I also wish to emphasize that the mention of this institute has brought development and changed the economic fortunes of the members of the host community.”