Governor Bago Welcomes Lee Group’s Multi-Million Dollar Sugar Investment

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Niger State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lee Group, a global leader in sugar production, to establish a large-scale sugar project. The project, facilitated by the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), is expected to transform the state’s economy, create thousands of jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s sugar self-sufficiency goals.

The project, valued at millions of dollars, will be implemented on a large tract of land in Niger State, leveraging the state’s fertile soil and abundant water resources. The Lee Group, with over 60 years of experience in industrial and agro-industrial development, will develop a sustainable sugar project, including sugarcane cultivation, processing, and manufacturing. The project is expected to produce over 1 million metric tons of sugarcane per annum, with a processing capacity of 5,000 tons per day.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting the project, saying, “We are delighted to welcome the Lee Group to Niger State. This project aligns with our vision to diversify the state’s economy and create jobs for our people.” The Governor assured the investors of a conducive business environment, offering land for the project in any part of the state. He also highlighted the state’s commitment to providing infrastructure support, including roads and irrigation systems.

The Executive Secretary of NSDC, Abayomi Sadiq, praised the Lee Group’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s sugar industry, saying, “This project aligns with our goal of increasing domestic sugar production and reducing reliance on imports. We are confident that the Lee Group’s expertise and resources will make this project a success.”

The Lee Group’s Managing Director, David Lee, expressed confidence in Niger State’s potential for sugar production, citing the state’s fertile land and abundant water resources. “We are excited to partner with the Niger State Government and NSDC to develop a world-class sugar project that will benefit the local economy and contribute to Nigeria’s sugar self-sufficiency goals,” he said.

The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, with the creation of over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, and the development of infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems. The project will also promote out-grower schemes, providing opportunities for local farmers to participate in sugarcane production. The Lee Group has committed to investing in community development projects, including education and healthcare initiatives, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The NSDC has identified Niger State as one of the 11 states with suitable land for sugarcane cultivation and major sugar projects. The state has an estimated 1.5 million hectares of arable land, making it an ideal location for large-scale sugar production.

The project is expected to contribute significantly to Niger State’s revenue and GDP, and is a testament to the state’s commitment to attracting investment and promoting economic growth. The project is also expected to enhance the state’s agricultural sector, promote value-added production, and increase the state’s export earnings.

By: Gloryann Osang