Date: 2021-04-14

The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Zacch Adedeji, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through the implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

Represented by Director Policy Planning Research and Statistics, Hezekiah Kolawole, Adedeji gave the commitment during a sensitisation workshop organised for communities around Nigeria Sugar Company in Bacita Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The workshop is a part of preparation for the handing and taking over of the company by the new owner.

Adedeji assured that life would return to the Bacita community soon.

The ES said the country will continue to leverage modern technology to revamp the sector and make it attractive to indigenous and foreign investors, hinting that the council is committed to building a commercially viable and globally competitive sugar industry.

Adedeji also pledged the council's readiness to provide policy and technical supports to the new operators by ensuring the immediate take off of the company.

"NISUCO's glorious past has earned Nigeria impressive accolades, especially within the continent, as he charges the new owners to map out actionable and implementable plans that would yield results and surpass the targets it has set for itself," he said.

The workshop, according to the Executive Secretary was convened to bring critical stakeholders together to enable them deliberate on mutually beneficial issues, address grey areas and fashion out ways of building and sustaining harmonious relationship before activities commence fully at the sugar estate.

Speaking, the Etsu Tsaragi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi said communities within and around Bacita are set to receive the new owners of NISUCO, noting that the Tsaragi emirate would assist and provide a conducive environment that will guarantee hitch-free operations.

"We are once again happy and delighted to have the new owners of this sugar company in our domain today. This is a day we've so longed to see. We thank almighty Allah for answering our prayers. My people are willing and ready to work with you people," he said.