Nigeria’s reliance on imported sugar continues, with approximately 98,000 metric tonnes entering the country in March 2025. Despite repeated calls to boost local production, port activity reports highlight significant shipments of raw sugar arriving at Nigerian ports, reports The Nation.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Dr Olusola Odusanya, Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), have both expressed concerns over the economic risks associated with this dependency.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) latest “Daily Shipping Position” report, raw sugar imports dominate berthing activities at major terminals. Two major shipments are currently being discharged: the AEPOS, a 199.9-meter vessel, berthed at Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) on March 14, carrying approximately 48,000 MT of raw sugar from Brazil and scheduled to depart on March 29, and the SEA DIAMOND 1, a 189.94-meter vessel, berthed at Greenview Development Nigeria Limited (GDNL) on March 19, handling 50,000 MT of bulk sugar, set to depart on March 27.
Nigeria’s inability to meet domestic sugar demand is evident, with over 96 per cent of its annual sugar consumption of approximately 1.8 million MT sourced from foreign markets. Local production remains at just 48,000 MT, leaving a significant supply gap of about 1.75 million MT.
During a meeting with IFAD’s Country Director Dede Ekoue in September 2024, Governor Sule highlighted the impact of this trend. “Nigeria consumes around 1.4 to 1.6 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, and 96 per cent of this is imported as raw sugar and refined at our three major refineries. If we establish a full sugarcane production value chain, it could create jobs for at least 500,000 people,” he stated.
Similarly, at the Nigeria-EU Innovation Days in July 2024, NACETEM’s Director-General Dr. Odusanya underscored the economic drawbacks of relying on imports. “Sugar is part of our daily consumption, yet we import instead of producing at scale and exporting. Local production would generate foreign exchange and create employment opportunities,” he said.
He further noted that with large-scale agricultural investment and advanced technologies, Nigeria could produce more than five times its current sugar consumption.
The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin, recently stated that Nigeria needs a $5 billion investment to achieve sugar self-sufficiency. He also dismissed calls for a sugar tax, arguing that the country’s per capita sugar consumption of 9 kg per year is relatively low compared to global standards.
“Achieving sugar self-sufficiency requires not just an investment but also a commitment to addressing key issues such as mechanization, security, and infrastructure,” Bakrin said.
Comparing Nigeria’s sugar production to global leaders, Bakrin highlighted that Brazil, India, and Thailand produce 41 million MT, 36 million MT, and 14 million MT, respectively. Within Africa, Nigeria also lags behind Egypt and South Africa, which produce 2.8 million MT and 2.4 million MT, respectively.
Meanwhile, the NPA report indicated a total of 23 occupied berths, with terminals handling bulk commodities, containers, and petroleum products. Comparative data showed a 12 per cent increase in discharged cargo over the past week, largely driven by higher volumes of wheat, sugar, and soya bean oil. Container processing also recorded a modest 3 per cent increase in total TEUs handled, signalling stable port activity. Notably, bulk sugar imports rose by 18 per cent from the previous month, reflecting increased demand from food manufacturers that depend on imported raw sugar.
Conversely, petroleum product imports, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), saw a 10 per cent decline due to policy shifts in the downstream sector and the adoption of alternative energy sources.
The surge in sugar imports has raised concerns among maritime sector stakeholders. A senior Nigerian Ports Authority official, speaking anonymously, commented, “The high volume of raw sugar imports shows the local industry’s struggle to meet demand. While we are improving port infrastructure, more efforts are needed to boost local sugarcane cultivation and processing.”
A representative from ENL Consortium, which operates several berths in Lagos, echoed similar sentiments. “Efforts to improve port efficiency are ongoing, but the bigger issue is Nigeria’s dependence on imports. Encouraging local production through incentives and better infrastructure is essential,” the representative noted.
Despite active handling of sugar and other commodities, several terminals remain underutilized. The Atlas Cove Jetty, Fishery Wharf, and petroleum-related jetties reported multiple vacancies, raising concerns about inefficiencies in port operations and infrastructure use.
Historical data suggests that sugar imports peak in the first quarter of each year due to increased demand from food manufacturers. While the government has implemented several initiatives to boost local sugarcane production, importation remains the dominant method of meeting Nigeria’s sugar needs.
Experts believe that NACETEM’s ongoing efforts to commercialize innovative agricultural policies could play a crucial role in reducing dependence on imports if approved by the Federal Executive Council. Additionally, integrating the government’s economic diversification and technological advancement strategies with port development initiatives could significantly enhance local sugar production.
Industry leaders emphasize that achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production requires collective action from government agencies, private investors, and research institutions.
