Six sugar/ethanol plants to come up in Niger over next 3 years

In a landmark development, Niger State Governor Muhammed Bago has announced the signing of a $5 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Niger Foods and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd., a consortium of Brazilian and Indian sugar industry experts. The agreement, signed on November 20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aims to develop 250,000 hectares of sugarcane fields and establish six sugar and ethanol plants in Niger State over the next three years, reported News Agency of Nigeria.

Governor Bago described the project as a critical step in his administration’s Green Economy initiative, focusing on food security and industrialization through large-scale agriculture. The deal is also part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s $2.5 billion sugar industry in partnership with the Nigeria Sugar Council.

The governor highlighted the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting that it will create jobs, boost Nigeria’s economy, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. “This investment is not just for Niger State but for the entire country. It will generate employment for young people, produce valuable agricultural products, and contribute to economic growth,” Bago said.

The project also includes plans to generate electricity, initially providing 600 megawatts for the plants, with the capacity to scale up to 1,000 megawatts. This will further support industrialization efforts in the region.

The partnership with Brazilian and Indian experts will bring advanced technology and knowledge to Nigeria. “These experts are coming to set up plants that will produce sugar, ethanol, bagasse, and molasses. This is a complete value chain development,” Bago explained.

Marco Castellani, Head of Latam Ltd. and a representative of the consortium, affirmed the project’s readiness. “We are bringing Brazilian expertise to establish these plants and meet Nigeria’s needs. With the support of the Niger State Government, we are ready to move forward,” Castellani said.

The project is expected to create 100,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs while benefiting 750,000 smallholder farmers. It will also produce 2.5 million tons of sugar, 250 million litres of ethanol, and 300 megawatts of electricity annually, using 90,000 hectares along the Sokoto-Lagos Super Highway.

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Sugar Council, Kamar Bakrin, emphasized the project’s economic significance, saying it would strengthen local agriculture while addressing energy and food needs.

The initiative has been praised by government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, commended Niger State’s approach to developing agriculture through private-sector partnerships. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari assured federal government support, highlighting the potential for a vibrant livestock industry and foreign exchange earnings through mixed cropping with soybean.

Governor Bago described the project as a blueprint for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. “This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will lead the country toward a sustainable, industrialized future,” he said.

This MoU marks a significant milestone for Niger State, with the potential to reshape the region’s agricultural and economic landscape while serving as a model for national development.