NSDC Unveils Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme to Drive Self-Sufficiency in Sugar Production

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating domestic sugar production and moving Nigeria closer to achieving self-sufficiency.

Announcing the programme, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSDC, Mr.

Kamar Bakrin, described it as a vital component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II), designed to expand local sugarcane cultivation, reduce import dependency, and promote inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities.

“The SODP is structured to strengthen local sugarcane production, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on sugar imports, and create inclusive growth opportunities by fully integrating outgrower farmers into the national sugar supply chain. This programme will complement the existing output from large-scale sugar estates and help bridge the national supply gap,” Mr. Bakrin stated.

He further emphasised that the initiative represents a groundbreaking step in the country’s sugar sector.

“For the first time, a structured outgrower development framework will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain. This initiative seeks to engage every stakeholder — from major operators to smallholder farmers — ensuring that everyone plays a role in Nigeria’s journey toward sugar self-sufficiency,” he added.

Mr. Bakrin explained that participating farmers would benefit from guaranteed offtake agreements for market access, provision of high-quality seedcane and inputs, technical support, structured training programmes, and the adoption of sustainable land and water management practices.

Speaking on the programme’s framework, the Head of Out-Grower Management at NSDC, Mrs. Lade Offurum, noted that the SODP targets three major categories of participants — agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50 to over 500 hectares; farming cooperatives organised into clusters of 30 to 50 hectares; and groups of individual farmers or friends willing to jointly cultivate clusters of at least 30 hectares.

She urged interested participants to contact the NSDC through the following channels:
Email: commercialoutgrowers@nsdc.gov.ng
Website: www.nsdc.gov.ng
Phone: 0707 394 9998, 0707 353 6567.

Mrs. Offurum also announced that applications for the programme would close on November 21, 2025.

With the launch of the SODP, the NSDC continues to advance the objectives of the NSMP II by deepening local production, empowering farmers, and strengthening Nigeria’s drive for a competitive, self-reliant sugar industry.