FG Backs Sugar Institute as Minister Applauds Reforms, Pushes for Full Functionality

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has applauded the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr.

Kamar Bakrin, alongside his team, for the extensive reforms implemented at the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Senator Enoh gave the commendation during an official visit to the Institute, where he stressed the importance of making the facility fully operational so it can effectively drive capacity development, technical expertise, and innovation within the sugar sector, in line with its mandate.
He noted that as Nigeria intensifies efforts toward industrialisation and self-sufficiency in sugar production, the Institute has a critical role in supplying skilled manpower, research support, and agricultural inputs needed to sustain growth across the value chain.
“I have found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be passionate, focused, and committed to achieving the set objectives of the NSI. The policy reforms, capacity building, and infrastructural upgrades carried out within a short period are commendable.
“I must, however, urge the Executive Secretary not to relent until the Institute becomes fully operational. This is because its role in boosting local production and advancing industrialisation in the sugar sector is very critical,” the Minister said.
Senator Enoh also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting both the NSDC and NSI in fulfilling their mandates. He called on staff and stakeholders to maintain strong collaboration and dedication toward transforming the industry.
The Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) is a purpose-built national institution established to serve as the research, training, and technical backbone of Nigeria’s sugar industry. Incorporated in June 2019 and commissioned in January 2021, it operates under the strategic supervision of the NSDC.
Headquartered in Ilorin, the Institute houses specialised biofactory and tissue culture facilities that play a vital role in varietal development, seedcane multiplication, and applied research, supporting both sugar and ethanol value chains. Essentially, the Institute ensures access to quality planting materials, skilled manpower, and reliable technical expertise for the industry.
The NSI was designed as a shared national platform developed by the NSDC in collaboration with key stakeholders, with the goal of consolidating research and development into a central hub of excellence. It also ensures that outputs such as improved seedcane, training programmes, and technical services are available to all industry players.
Currently, stakeholders are actively utilising the Institute’s services for seedcane supply, capacity building, and technical support, reinforcing its role in strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Nigeria’s sugar sector.
Since assuming office in October 2023, Mr. Bakrin has transformed the NSI from a largely inactive facility into a vibrant, industry-oriented centre for research, training, and technical support.
Within the last two years, over 60 staff members have undergone targeted training programmes covering both managerial and technical skills. On the managerial side, training areas included project management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, conflict resolution, strategic communication, and professional reporting.
Technically, staff received hands-on training in laboratory instrumentation, solution preparation, soil analysis, and equipment maintenance—skills essential for running biofactory operations, supporting sugar estates, and delivering credible research and advisory services.
The NSDC and NSI also repositioned the Institute as a hub for training and knowledge transfer through initiatives such as the NSDC/NSI Boot Camp. These programmes provide practical training in sugar processing, refining, quality control, industrial safety, and environmental compliance, combining classroom learning with real-life demonstrations.
Investments were equally made in curriculum development and standard operating procedures. The Factory Operations Department created a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire sugar production process—from cane preparation and juice extraction to crystallisation, refining, and by-product utilisation—with strong emphasis on safety and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Biofactory enhanced its procedures with improved protocols for sterilisation, culture media formulation, and acclimatisation technologies.
The Institute also facilitated technical training for staff of Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, focusing on soil science, laboratory safety, sampling, and equipment handling. Additionally, it developed and delivered a field-to-factory training programme for 20 new employees at BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations, equipping them with a holistic understanding of sugar production systems.