By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, has called for the full operationalisation of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), stressing its importance in advancing research, training, and technical support within the sugar sector.
Enoh made the call during a visit to the institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he commended the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin, and his team for ongoing reforms.
According to him, the institute must operate at full capacity as it plays a central role in Nigeria’s industrialisation and sugar self-sufficiency agenda.
“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 upgrade carried out within a short time are quite commendable,” he said.
Push for Increased Local Production
In a statement issued on Thursday by the council, the Minister urged continued efforts to fully activate the institute, describing it as critical to boosting local sugar production and industrial growth.
“I must however urge the Executive Secretary not to rest until this place becomes fully operational. Its role in our drive for increased local production and industrialisation of the sugar sector is very critical,” he added
Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting both the NSDC and NSI, while also calling for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders in the industry.
Sugar Institute
The Nigeria Sugar Institute, established in 2019 and commissioned in 2021, operates under the NSDC as a research, training, and technical hub for the sugar industry.
Located in Ilorin, the institute features biofactory and tissue culture facilities that support seedcane development, varietal research, and ethanol value chain studies.
Strengthening Industry Capacity
Its Factory Operations Department has developed a comprehensive production curriculum covering the entire sugar value chain, while upgraded biofactory protocols now enhance research and plant development.
The institute has also provided technical training for workers at Sunti Golden Sugar Estate and new recruits at BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations, strengthening practical skills and capacity across the industry.
