Nigeria’s push toward sugar self sufficiency is accelerating, with greenfield sugar projects now at the centre of a coordinated expansion strategy. The National Sugar Development Council says recently signed MoUs with four promoters will add about 400,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually through fully integrated estates combining large scale cultivation and modern processing. Spread across the South West, North Central, and North East, the projects are designed to deliver jobs, infrastructure, and inclusive growth alongside higher output.
One flagship investment is GNAL Sugar by the Lee Group in Taraba State, where land identification and project definition are progressing with strong state government backing. NSDC says Taraba’s land availability, water resources, and favourable climate position it as a future sugar production hub, supported by early engagement with host communities.
Beyond estates, reforms at the Nigeria Sugar Institute and the rollout of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme are strengthening inputs, skills, and farmer integration. A separate one billion dollar partnership with SINOMACH is expected to unlock up to 500,000 tonnes of annual sugar capacity, reinforcing Nigeria’s path toward long term self sufficiency.
