The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) to increase local sugar production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
The initiative, which supports the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan II (NSMP II), aims to bring farmers into the national sugar value chain while boosting rural jobs and income.
Announcing the programme, NSDC Executive Secretary, Mr Kamar Bakrin, said the council plans to scale sugarcane output by working directly with farmers.
“This programme will help farmers grow more sugarcane, access markets, and earn more,” he said. “It will also support our goal of reducing imports and strengthening local production.”
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For the first time, Nigeria will run a structured outgrower scheme in the sugar sector. According to Mr Bakrin, the move will ensure small- and large-scale farmers can supply sugar mills and benefit from guaranteed buyers.
Through the programme, farmers will receive improved seedcane, farm inputs, training, and technical support.
They will also enjoy offtake agreements to secure stable sales.
Head of Out-Grower Management, Mrs Lade Offurum, explained that the scheme targets three groups: large commercial farmers with 50 to 500+ hectares, cooperative groups with 30 to 50 hectares, and clusters of individual farmers managing at least 30 hectares.
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She added that this model encourages big investments while also supporting community farmers.
With this launch, NSDC says it is moving closer to its goal of building a competitive sugar industry and expanding opportunities for thousands of farmers nationwide.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
