NSDC Executive Secretary Clarifies Role of Nigeria Sugar Institute, Outlines Reforms

The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has provided important clarifications regarding the status and mission of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI). In a recent media interaction, Bakrin emphasized that the NSI is a national institution designed to serve the entire sugar industry. He debunked notions that the institute belongs to any specific group of operators, stressing its role as a collective resource.

​Established and incorporated in June 2019, the NSI officially began operations in January 2021 with its headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State. Bakrin explained that the institute was "purpose-built" to function as the technical and research backbone of the nation’s sugar sector. Under the oversight of the NSDC, it provides the necessary infrastructure to support the ambitious goals of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.

One of the primary functions of the NSI is to provide consistent access to quality planting materials and skilled manpower. Bakrin highlighted the institute’s specialized bio-factory and tissue culture laboratories, which are essential for developing high-yield sugar varieties. These facilities are critical for "seedcane multiplication," ensuring that sugar estates across the country have the biological tools needed for high productivity.

​Beyond agriculture, the NSI also focuses on the industrial applications of sugar production, including ethanol research. By offering applied research and technical expertise, the institute helps operators optimize their processes and improve their bottom lines. Bakrin noted that this support is available to all players in the sector, from large-scale millers to smaller outgrower schemes, fostering an inclusive environment for growth.

The NSDC chief's clarification comes as the government intensifies reforms to make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar production. By strengthening the NSI, the council aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imports and save valuable foreign exchange. Bakrin’s outline of these reforms serves as a roadmap for stakeholders, reaffirming that the path to a thriving sugar industry lies in shared research and institutional support.