The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin, has assured investors of comprehensive support to fast-track the growth and development of Nigeria’s sugar industry. Mr Bakrin gave this commitment during a meeting with representatives from Utham Sucrotech International (India), Niger Food Security Systems & Logistics Ltd, and American West African Agro.
During the meeting, Mr Bakrin declared 2025 as the year of maximum acceleration for sugar project development, with a focus on improving yield in Nigeria’s sugar estates. He sought clarity on the expected recovery rates, specifically concerning Utham’s activities at the Dangote Sugar Refinery, and was assured that a recovery rate of 12.3% could be achieved.
Global Business Development Leader of Utham Sucrotech International, Mr Sanjiv Gulati, presented an overview of the company’s extensive work in establishing sugar projects across India, Europe, and Africa. He highlighted Utham’s expertise in fabricating equipment for sugar production and reported that their projects have achieved a sugar recovery rate of 13%.
Mr Gulati also reassured the NSDC of Utham’s ability to manage large-scale sugar projects, stating that their presence in Nigeria would significantly enhance the growth of the sector.
Additionally, financial expert Mr Flavio Castellari from Utham provided insights into the Brazilian sugar industry, offering strategies for funding that could be applied in Nigeria’s sugar development.
Meanwhile, Mr Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, discussed financing arrangements, including the use of sovereign and corporate guarantees, to support the development of a 100,000-hectare sugar project in Niger State.
The meeting also explored Utham’s role in the Greenfield project being developed by American West African Agro in Niger State, for which Utham will be providing essential services.