- Nigeria Launches Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme to Boost Local Sugar Production
- Bakrin explained that the programme seeks to bring together stakeholders at all levels
- The new programme aims to complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates
The Nigerian government, through the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), has introduced its flagship Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), aimed at accelerating the country’s path to sugar self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the NSDC, highlighted that the initiative is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II), designed to scale up domestic sugarcane production.
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The programme, which is part of a broader strategy to stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities, is expected to create numerous opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This initiative marks a pioneering step for Nigeria’s sugar industry,” said Bakrin, emphasizing the programme’s potential to integrate local farmers into the national sugar value chain. “The SODP will not only reduce Nigeria’s reliance on sugar imports but will also contribute to the growth of smallholder farmers by linking them to the national supply chain.”
The new programme aims to complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates and address the current gap in the national sugar supply.
For the first time, smallholder farmers will be formally integrated into the industry’s value chain, making it a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and sustainable sugar sector.
Bakrin explained that the programme seeks to bring together stakeholders at all levels, from commercial agribusinesses to individual farmers. “This is about providing equal opportunities for everyone, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and fostering Nigeria’s journey toward sugar independence.”
The Head of Outgrower Management at NSDC, Mrs. Lade Offurum, provided further details about the programme’s framework.
The initiative will engage three main categories of farmers: commercial agribusinesses cultivating 50–500+ hectares, farming cooperatives, and individual farmers or groups willing to jointly farm clusters of 30+ hectares.
The application window for the SODP is set to close on 21st November 2025, and farmers across the country are encouraged to apply to participate in the initiative.
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