Next year will witness aggressive efforts at development in sugar project in Nigeria. This follows the pledge by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin. He said his council has set 2025 as the year for intensified efforts towards sugar project development in the country.
Bakrin made this declaration during a meeting with investors from Utham Sucrotech International, an Indian firm, Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Ltd, and American West African Agro.
According to a statement, the discussions focused on Utham’s role in the Greenfield sugar project spearheaded by AWAA in Niger State. Utham, known for its expertise in field and factory establishment for sugar production across India, Europe, and Africa, will provide critical support to the project.
In his contribution at the meeting, Utham’s Global Business Development Leader, Mr. Sanjiv Gulati, outlined the company’s track record, noting their ability to fabricate equipment and deliver up to 13% sugar recovery in existing projects.
Gulati assured the NSDC boss that Utham’s involvement in Nigeria would boost sugar project development and contribute to the growth of the sector. On his part, Mr. Flavio Castellari, a financial expert with Utham, gave insights into the Brazilian sugar industry, outlining funding models that Nigeria could adopt to improve its sugar production capabilities.
The Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, also highlighted a financing arrangement backed by both sovereign and corporate guarantees for the development of a 100,000-hectare sugar project in Niger State.
He also emphasized the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility as a key component ofthe project.