NSDC, Lee Group Partner to Establish Multi-Million-Dollar Sugar Project in Taraba

By our Correspondent

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group have advanced plans for the establishment of a massive sugar production project in Taraba State.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, led a high-powered delegation comprising officials of the Council and the Lee Group management team to Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where they met with Governor Agbu Kefas to seek the state government’s support and collaboration for the take-off of the multi-million-dollar project.

In his remarks, the NSDC boss told the governor and other officials at the meeting that his visit, alongside the Lee Group team, was to explore opportunities for a major sugar investment crucial to Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency in sugar production.

Bakrin explained that the Council’s core mandate includes capacity development across the sugar sector through training, extension services, and sugarcane research, while also providing support to investors in financing, feasibility studies, and access to land for sugar projects.

“Sugar is an incredibly significant socio-economic product globally, employing about 100 million people in over 120 countries. Since sugar estates are typically located in rural areas, they naturally promote local development without causing environmental harm. In fact, sugar cultivation contributes positively to environmental sustainability,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary revealed that a national study conducted by the Council identified about 1.2 million hectares of land nationwide as suitable for sugar development, noting that Taraba ranks among the most strategically positioned.

“Taraba State has passed all our technical and environmental suitability assessments with flying colours. We consider the state one of the most promising locations for sugar investment in Nigeria. The Lee Group, through its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar, has also met our standards as a credible investor with both financial capacity and technical expertise,” he added.

In his remarks, the Project Director of Lee Group, Mr. Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, expressed the company’s readiness to set up a multi-million-dollar sugar project in Taraba, emphasizing that the state holds immense potential for agricultural and industrial growth.

“We are not here merely to present an idea — we are here to build a lasting partnership. Our investment will expand the state’s revenue base, generate employment, stimulate local enterprises, and empower farmers through an inclusive out-grower scheme,” Wilkins said.

He added that the Lee Group has operated in Nigeria for over six decades, earning a strong reputation for excellence in manufacturing, training, and agriculture.

“With the continued support of His Excellency and the good people of Taraba State, we are confident this project will serve as a model for sugar development in Nigeria and a testament to the power of strong public–private collaboration,” he stated.

Responding, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Describing Taraba as “nature’s gift to the nation,” the governor highlighted the state’s abundant natural resources and vast arable land suitable for agricultural ventures.

He noted that the state has effectively addressed past security concerns and is now peaceful and open for both local and foreign investments.

Governor Kefas encouraged investors to take advantage of the state’s agricultural potential, especially in sugar production, which he described as a key area of focus in Taraba’s development agenda.

He identified Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Local Government Areas as ideal sites for large-scale sugar cultivation and processing, assuring the delegation of the state’s full support in providing land and other necessary resources to ensure the project’s success.

Welcoming the Lee Group warmly, the governor proposed the establishment of a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the state government, NSDC, and the investors to drive the next steps of the project.