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Stakeholders urge Nigeria to disregard clamour for increase in Sugar tax

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Lagos, Nov. 16, 2023: Stakeholders in the food and beverage industry have urged the Federal Government to disregard any campaign aimed at increasing current Sugar-Sweetened (SSB) tax from N10 per litre to N30 per litre.

Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), via a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said any move to increase sugar tax would strain the already overwhelmed manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadir noted that the current campaign led by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA) Group was not in support of manufacturing growth, a critical engine of any country’s economy.

According to him, the manufacturing sector; particularly the food and beverage sub-sector remains crucial to every economy of the world and the realities in Nigeria shows its performance has grown in relevance and value.

He noted that over the years, many multinational companies had been forced to relocate their operations out of the country due to harsh and non-conducive operational environment that impeded ease of doing business.

Ajayi-Kadir said the fear being raised by industry watchers was that Nigeria may once more witnessed mass exodus of beverage industries for the nation’s business landscape if the Federal Government increase the SSB Tax.

This, he said, was because excessive taxation would lead to reduced economic activity in the industry, with the ultimate effect of causing a decline in its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The sectoral groups inclusive of MAN, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group regrets that recently the food and beverage industry has grappled with excessive taxation.

“Data from the World Trade Organisation shows that the food and beverage sector is estimated to contribute 22.5 per cent of the manufacturing industry value, generating an estimated 1.5 million jobs and 4.6 per cent of the country’s GDP.

“The food and beverage sector encompasses a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, food producers, and beverage manufacturers.

“Beyond its economic value, this industry forms the very fabric of our daily lives, shaping our culture and social interactions.

“Hence, the recent call for increase in Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax from N10 per litre to N30 per litre poses a potential threat to the operations of this most important sector of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

The director-general averred that a balanced approach to taxation, taking into consideration the unique challenges of this sector, was essential to ensure its continued growth and contribution to the nation’s GDP.

He noted that striking the right balance between tax revenue generation and economic sustainability would be pivotal in preserving this vital economic pillar while fostering growth and innovation in the industry.

Ajayi-Kadir said the recent call for SSB Tax increase by CAPPA, hinging its argument on the claim that the consumption of sugary drinks as a known risk factor for ailments was deflated by health experts.

“Hence, the theory that increasing levies on sugar-sweetened beverages as the way out in mitigating communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes was unfounded.

“According to health experts, a balanced nutritional approach, which allows for the occasional indulgence in sugary beverages, can harmonise with a healthy lifestyle and dispel misconceptions about their influence on obesity and related health issues.

“Expert also stated that the surge in obesity cannot be solely ascribed to sugar; inactive lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and overall poor dietary choices play a significant role in the obesity epidemic.

“This recent call has become worrisome in view of the fact that the industry has in recent time been burdened with excessive taxes and continuous imposition of taxes has its implications that may likely affect the country negatively,” he said.

Dangote Sugar

Dangote Sugar declares N82.3bn profit

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Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N82.3 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2022.

The company made this known in its annual report on Friday in Lagos signed by Mr Anthony Chiejina, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Dangote Group.

This, the company said, translates to an increase of 142 per cent to N48.28 billion over N34 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2021.

According to the annual report of the sugar company, profit after tax rose to N54.74 billion, representing an increase of 148 per cent to N32.69 billion compared to N22.05 billion posted in the same period in 2021.

The report stated that all the performance indicators were on the upswing as its revenue rose by 45 per cent, from N278.05 billion to N403.25 billion.

Also, the company’s earnings per share rose from 182K per share to 451k per share, an increase of 269k or 148 per cent.

The report quoted the Chairman of the company, Mr Aliko Dangote, who said that increasing the sugar refining capacity would require a corresponding increase in sugarcane production capacity.

Dangote revealed that the company had concluded plans to increase its sugar plantation from the current land area under cane production of about 8,700 hectares in 2022 to about 24,200 hectares within the next seven years.

He added that the company had doubled its scholarship and empowerment schemes in its host communities and would continue to introduce more initiatives to support the communities.

“Through these initiatives and our numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the company will be able to touch the lives of the people, bringing social, economic, and infrastructural development to our host communities.

“We are thus committing over $700 million to our investment in the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) to enable us to put in place needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production,” he said.

He promised that the sugar company would change the trajectory by making Nigeria self-sufficient in the sector.

Theindigenous sugar refinery continues to scale up its investments in line with the requirement of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

The Dangote Sugar Refinery has expanded its refining capacity from 3,000 tonnes of cane per day (tcd) to 6,000 tcd, and to 9,800 tcd.

Nigeria will be sufficient in sugar production in 2023

Construction of N300bn sugar plantation, mill begins

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The ground breaking of the proposed N300 billion Brent Sugar Plantation and Mill took place on Tuesday at Iseyin.

Mr Zaccheus Adedeji, the Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), said that the project, when completed, would assist in job creation and poverty eradication.

He said the federal government was committed to eradication of poverty and tackle unemployment in the country.

Brent Sugar Plantation and Mill is sited on 11,000 hectares of land along Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road.

Adedeji said that the investment by Brent Sugar was a practical demonstration of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration toward building a producing nation.

He said that the Federal Government must do all necessary to attract the private sector investors that could take Nigerians, particularly youths, out of poverty.

“One of the major tools that we have and which can help us take youths out of poverty is the sugarcane-based industries.

“We must commend Brent Sugar Ltd., for deeming it fit to establish this kind of project in this environment. This is not only for Oyo State, but for Nigeria.

“The mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari is that we must eat what we grow and grow what we eat, this is practical,” he said.

Adedeji said that parts of the government’s efforts to encourage investors were waiver of duties on imported equipment and relief from tax payment for five years from the date of establishment.

Also, Mr Suleiman Adamu, the Minister of Water Resources, said that the Federal Government was doing all necessary to encourage private sector and harness the nation’s potential.

Adamu, represented by Mrs Esther Oluniyi, said that irrigation was a major way of increasing food production.

He said that reduction in the importation of sugar was a result of government’s effort at increasing local production.

Commenting, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the President, African Development Bank (AfDB), said that industrialisation was the pillar for economic prosperity

Adesina, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Industrialisation, Prof. Oyebanji Oyelahan, said that establishment of Brent Sugar “is a path to industrialisation and economic prosperity”.

He urged the people to cooperate with the company, saying that there were a lot of benefit as a community and nation.

In his remarks, Mr Martins Akinola, the Chief Executive Officer, Brent Sugar Ltd., said that total investment to be committed to the project was about N300 billion over a period of five years.

“For the sugarcane plantation, the company is investing nothing less than N120 billion for the 11, 000 hectares that we are going to plant. We are going to phase it on yearly basis.

“In 2023, we are going to plant 1,000 hectares and we are hoping that the following year, we will be doubling it on yearly basis.

“For the integrated mill and the refinery, that is going to cost about N30 billion, because it is going to have coal generation, which will generate electricity,” Akinola said.

He said they would be cultivating 11,000 hectares for the sugar plantation, adding that 5,000 would be from the company and 6,000 by outgrowers.

According to him, the company would be generating 30 megawatts of electricity, using BAGAS and employment opportunities for no fewer than 10,000 people.

He said that 300,000 litres of ethanol would be generated in addition to the 600,000 capacity from Brent farms.

Akinola said that part of their social responsibilities to Iseyin Community would be building of model schools and award of scholarships to indigent students.

He, then appealed to the Oyo State Government to construct motorable road to Ikere Gorge Dam, which would serve as irrigation purpose to the company.

Akinola thanked the president; Adedeji and Gov. Seyi Makinde for their supports, which he said, had helped the company to attain the present state.

“We are expecting, by the special grace of God, to be into production and milling in the next two years here in Iseyin. We have technical partners from abroad.

“The equipment and maintenance are going to be handled by our partners from India. About eight of them will join us from February next year.

“This is going to be the biggest investment in Oyo State and I am happy that the state government is a co-owner in the investment,” he said.

In his response, Makinde promised to ensure that the road to Ikere Gorge Dam was constructed and made motorable for all.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said the state government was committed to infrastructure development of the state.

Makinde said that such was evident in the interconnectivity project of the administration aimed at connecting the five zones of the state.

He said that the company would complement effort of his administration in the areas of poverty reduction, employment creation and infrastructural development.

Nigeria will be sufficient in sugar production in 2023

Nigeria targets self-sufficiency in sugar production by 2033

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The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) says Nigeria targets to attain self-sufficiency in sugarcane production by 2033.

The Executive Secretary of NSDC, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said this at the 2022 annual media parley in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that after attaining surplus sugar refining capacity, Nigeria was pushing for self-sufficiency in the cultivation of the main raw material, sugarcane.

“In the last 10 years we have achieved sufficiency in refining capacity to the extent that we doubled our consumption capacity.

“Today, we consume 1.7 million metric tonnes but our refining capacity is in the excess of 3.5 million metric tonnes

“So, in the last 10 years in refining, we have achieved that target but you know our plan is not to import raw sugar at all.

“In the next 10 years our expectation is that we would have achieved the real self-sufficiency in both refining and actually growing the cane that we need to feed the refineries,’’ Adedeji said.

He said that Nigeria would attain the target in the course of the 2nd phase of the sugar production masterplan approved by President Muhammadu Buhari recently.

“Going by the new phase approved for us, we hope that 2033 we will achieve the self-sufficiency in sugar production and also be able to export to fit into the next import situation we are at the continent,’’ Adedeji said.

He said that with the launch and implementation of Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), the once comatose, moribund and neglected sugar sector roared back to life as local and international investors picked interest in the sector.

According to him, the sugar policy is anchored on four objectives which are: for Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production, stem the rising tide of sugar importation, create job opportunities, generate electricity and produce ethanol for industrial purposes.

“As captured in the master plan, Nigeria’s annual sugar consumption of 1.7 million metric tones would be met after 10 years.

“A total of 250,000 hectares would be required for cane cultivation, 28 factories would be established and over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created for Nigerians.

“As at today, a total of four companies have signed unto the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) of the NSMP.

“The companies are Dangote Sugar Refinery, BUA Sugar Refinery, Golden Sugar Refinery and KIA Africa Group.

“These BIP operators have their sites located in states across Nigeria where there are providing jobs for Nigerians and contributing to the economic fortunes of their host communities.

The Dangote Sugar Refinery has its BIP sites in Numan, Adamawa State and in Tunga in Nasarawa state, while the BUA Group has in Lafiagi, Kwara State, Golden Sugar BIP is located in Sunti, Niger State while that of KIA Africa is in Bacita, Kwara state.

“With Phase One of the master plan which began in 2013, reaching its crescendo in the first quarter of 2023, the Federal Government, through the promotion of industrialisation, has approved Phase two of the policy.

“This is with actual implementation to begin in 2023 through 2033.

“The granting of the NSMP Phase 2 by President Muhammadu Buhari and in line with the expectations of Nigerians, we shall in the shortest possible time attain self- sufficiency in sugar production, and subsequently export to countries within the continent,’’ he said.

Adedeji, however, said that the council’s activities in attaining the target would rely on verifiable data and innovations.

“As provided by the Phase two Plan, we shall tinker a bit with what we had in the past. Essentially, our next phase of activities would be anchored on verifiable data and innovation to make our work seamless.

“Going forward, the annual raw sugar quota allocation to operators would be based on their performances in the outgoing year.

“So, we call on our operators to buckle up as the old order of allocating raw sugar quota, based on size of the refinery, has changed based on the approved NSMP Phase two,’’ the Sugar Council boss said.

Dangote Sugar

Dangote Sugar declares N36.27bn profit in 9 months

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Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N36.27 billion for a duration of nine months ended Sept. 30, 2022.

Mr Ravindra Singhvi,Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He said that the company’s PBT rose by N13.17 billion compared to N23.10 billion posted in the corresponding period in 2022.

Singhvi added that Profit After Tax (PAT) rose from N15.51 billion to N24.83 billion, while revenue went up from N195.50 billion to N288.32 billion.

He attributed the positive results for the period to key trade interventions introduced during the year and positive market responses.

He recalled that the company recorded a PBT of N29.73 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2022 while PAT hit N20.24 billion in that period.

“Our impressive performance in the period demonstrates our resilience in the face of prevalent challenges, which rightly reflected in strong top-line growth as seen in the financial results,” he said.

Singhvi said that Dangote Sugar Refinery had continued to implement its sugar backward integration projects plans and enhance its outgrowers scheme to support the economic growth of the immediate communities.

He said the company’s aim was to develop a robust outgrower scheme with no fewer than 5,000 outgrowers when the projects have fully taken off.

This, he explained, was in addition to the achievement of other targets of its ‘Sugar for Nigeria Project’ plan.

“The key focus of the sugar refinery is achievement of the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration Projects targets and putting Nigeria on the path of sugar self-sufficiency and the world sugar map.

“Employees health and safety as well as that of its partners remains a top priority at the company’s operations at the Apapa Refinery, its Sugar Backward Integration Operations in Numan, Adamawa and Tunga, Nasarawa.

“All processes are in compliance with stipulated health and safety protocols,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote Sugar Refinery is Nigeria’s largest producer of household and commercial sugar with 1.44M MT refining capacity.

The company refines raw sugar imported from Brazil to white, Vitamin A fortified refined granulated white sugar suitable for household and industrial uses.

Dangote Sugar

Dangote Sugar declares N276bn turnover, N12.417bn dividend

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has declared a turnover of N276 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2021, translating to a 29 per cent increase against the N214 billion recorded in 2020.

Its Chairman, Mr Aliko Dangote, said this at the company’s 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Dangote revealed that the company’s profit before tax stood at N34.01 billion, while its profit after tax was N22.052 billion.

He said the Group’s Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) decreased to N48.5 billion with a margin of 18 per cent, a 35 per cent decrease compared to 27 per cent (N58.03 billion) for the same period in 2020.

The Group also declared a dividend of N12.147 billion for shareholders for the year under review.

He stated that upon approval, the dividend would be paid to shareholders in the register of members as at June 1, net withholding tax at the standard rate.

Dangote stated that the company’s performance during the year under review was commendable amidst the challenges and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities.

He expressed hope that the turnover for the year 2022 would be better given the strategies in place to reenergise distribution to serve its customers better in spite of infrastructural and environmental challenges.

“The goal of Dangote Sugar Backward Integration Master plan remains the achievement of 1.5 million metric tonnes annually from locally grown sugarcane in support of the quest for sugar sufficiency in the country by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“This will be achieved in addition to the extended value chain benefits that will be derived from the projects including thousands of jobs that will be generated in the sector from these projects.

“We furthered the implementation of process optimisation, cost savings and product promotion strategies with the launch of our new brand identity and the pursuit of the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration Master Plan.

“The board and management will continue to implement strategic actions to sustain and surpass this performance while engaging with all stakeholders in the sector and our communities to ensure the realization of the objectives of the company,” he said.

He encouraged shareholders yet to embrace the E-dividend payment option to do so to ensure the prompt payment of their dividends.

Mr Ravindra Singhvi, Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, said the company’s sales and production volume grew to 771,321 tonnes and 811,962 tonnes respectively.

This, he said, meant a 5 per cent and 9 per cent volume growth respectively when compared with the same period in 2020.

Singhvi noted that against the backdrop of COVID-19, the company’s continued implementation of operational efficiencies sustained its leadership position in the market in the face of various challenges.

He said to achieve this performance, the company continued the implementation of strategic actions towards its commitment to improve its performance and generate value for all stakeholders.

“During the year under review, we continued with the pursuit of our goals to create long term value for all stakeholders ranging from our employees, customers communities, investors, shareholders, etc.

“Our strategy is to achieve sustainable growth over the long term with the efficient management of operations in spite of the challenges for increased shareholders value through sound and responsible business decisions that deliver steady growth in earnings and dividends.

“During the year under review, we improved our brand visibility with the introduction of our brand new product packaging, which enhanced our market position, supported with improved service delivery to our customers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the company’s directors recommend for shareholders’ approval, a dividend of N1.00 for every ordinary share of 50 Kobo each for year ended December 31, 2021.

A shareholder, Mrs Bisi Bakare, commended the company for the food fortification award received for the year under review.

“I’m asking that we shore up on capacity utilisation to bridge the sugar demand gap locally and international to improve Nigeria’s export base,” he said.

Another shareholder, Mr Patrick Ajudua, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the company, particularly at a time like this with the various environmental operating challenges.

He charged the management to improve upon the capacity utilisation of the plant to be better positioned to meet local and export needs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc is one of the largest sugar refineries in sub-saharan Africa with a 1.44 metric tonnes refining capacity.

The company has a strategic backward integration master plan to produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of refined granulated sugar from locally grown sugar across various sites in Nigeria.

Nigeria will be sufficient in sugar production in 2023

Flour mills drives sugar plan

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) says the company has taken the lead in propagating the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) agenda through its Sugarcane Outgrower Scheme.

The company made this known in a statement signed by its Head Corporate Communications, Modupe Thani, on Saturday in Lagos.

The scheme’s pilot edition ceremony took place at the Golden Sugar Company’s Sunti Sugar Estate, Niger State.

According to the statement, top performers in the pilot edition of scheme, an initiative by the company, were awarded to encourage dedicated and committed participation in the programme.

It noted that FMN had participated in the NSMP and Backward Integration Plan (BIP) since its inception in 2012 through its subsidiary Golden Sugar Company situated on the Niger river.

It added that the sugarcane outgrower scheme was another integrated, direct, and productive response to the Federal Government’s quest to develop the Nigerian sugar industry to ensure it attains at least 70 per cent sugar self-sufficiency.

“The company has an area of 22,000ha on which a 15,000-hectare sugar estate is being developed.

“More than N73 billion has already been invested to establish the sugar estate of 3,500ha of irrigated sugar cane and a sugar factory with a 3,000 tonnes per day milling capacity.

“The factory is the only one constructed under the NSMP and producing sugar today and once the development is complete 150,000 tonnes of sugar will be produced per year,” it said.

Mr Anlo Du Pisani, General Manager, Sunti Sugar Estate, said that prior to the progressive agricultural interventions by the company, there were no sugarcane cultivation in the area.

Du Pisani said that establishing the outgrower scheme showed local farmers that sugarcane was an easy to grow and lucrative crop.

He added that the presence of the golden sugar company estate and sugar mill at their doorstep guaranteed technical experience, support and market for their crop.

“The result has been beyond expectation and we have trained hundreds of sugarcane farmers under the out-grower scheme and have sent some to Malawi for training to scale-up their output.

“The pilot edition of the Golden Sugar Company Outgrower Scheme had 29 participatory communities, each community was allocated an area ranging from one hectare to two hectares with an average of 1.45 hectare per community.

“An overall of 42 hectares of land area was cultivated with sugarcane out of which 14.2ha was for plant and 27.8ha was for ratoon and at the end of the planting season, a total of 3,291 tonnes of sugarcane was delivered by the local farmers as harvest.

“The stated result succinctly depicts that the scheme is a huge success not just for the group but also a proven profitable venture for communities that participated in the program,” he said.

He added that the company was expanding the scheme area to cover 110ha for the coming season and planned to keep accelerating the scheme from this solid base.

FMN’s Director, Group Strategy and Stakeholder Relations, Mr Sadiq Usman, highlighted the applaudable commitments taken by FMN daily to ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria.

Usman said that the company had greatly invested in feeding the nation every day and the scheme was a pragmatic example of its commitment to Nigeria and the citizens.

“As a group, we are once again leading the industry in line with the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan mandates.

“The results of the Outgrower Scheme pilot edition depict that first, farming, and in this case sugarcane farming is a profitable venture especially when an inclusive investor and industry player like FMN orchestrates the process.

“Secondly, we would continue to work with the Federal Government and the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) to ensure food and sugar self-sufficiency in Nigeria.

“Finally, we beckon on more local farmers to key into the scheme as all existing results and feedback has proven that the programme is an inclusive investment with a shared profit model,” he said.

Nigeria will be sufficient in sugar production in 2023

Buhari inaugurates $73m fund to boost Sugar production

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President Muhammadu Buhari started the week under review with the inauguration of a $73 million intervention fund for irrigation, to boost the Sugar backward integration programme aimed at making Nigeria a leading sugar producing country in Africa.

An agreement between the federal government and the operators of the Sugar backward integration programme was also signed on Dec. 21, 2021, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, who represented President Buhari, said: “This morning I represented the President at the formal commissioning of the Presidential project on irrigation infrastructure.

“The intervention is the setting up of a US$73 million intervention fund for irrigation, for operators of the Sugar backward Intervention Programme.

“The goal is to support the development of irrigation infrastructure on 10,000 hectares of sugar plantations located in six sites in Numan (Adamawa State), Sumti (Niger State), Lafiagi (Kwara), Bacita (Kwara) as well as in Toto and Tunga, both in Nasarawa state.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria is also involved in the provision of required funding for the project as well.”

According to Adebayo, the aim of the programme is to increase Nigeria’s sugar yield, in line with its quest of becoming self-sufficient in Sugar production.

“The aim is to increase significantly the sugar yield so that we can work within the National Sugar Development master plan, with a view to Nigeria becoming self-sufficient in sugar production and possibly becoming a net exporter of sugar.’’

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, said the intervention is part of government’s determination to provide an enabling environment for private investments to thrive and flourish in the country.

He said: “Preliminary activities, including identification of the specific project sites for each operator, include framework for design and engineering services for the in-field and bulk water supply systems, project management and maintenance specifications.

“In addition to the adoption of a business model and costing, among others, it was concluded long before the formal commissioning of this laudable initiative.’’

The Presidency also inaugurated an IT training Centre to be facilitated by Internet giant, Galaxy Backbone.

The Centre, located within the State House Auditorium, was built with a robust Internet Connectivity to assist the staff in modernising their work processes.

Inaugurating the project on Tuesday, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, commended the authorities for facilitating the establishment of the Centre, adding that the project would add to the digital skills of the State House staff.

She warned that the country’s civil service is transiting and staff members who failed to avail themselves with digital skills would be left behind.

The Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also on Dec. 21, met behind closed door with President Buhari, where he lauded him on behalf of his colleagues, for addressing economic challenges facing State Governments through the provision financial assistance.

He expressed grief over the heart-wrenching murder of 45 farmers and scores injured following renewed hostilities in Lafia, Obi and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

President Buhari also commiserated with the government and people of Abia as well as the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) on the passing of a former national president of the union, Mr Bonnie Nwoha, in the week under review.

Buhari said the sympathies of the entire nation were with the affected families.

On Dec. 22, President Buhari met behind closed door with Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Speaking to State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the governor said he updated the president on security development in Kaduna state where about 40 villagers were killed by terrorists three days ago.

The governor, who was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, stated that he asked for the intervention of the President for more deployment of security forces and comprehensive operations.

The President inaugurated Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2021-2025 to succeed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), saying Nigeria needs an investment size of N348.1 trillion to achieve the targets set out in the Plan.

NAN reports that the president presented the document to the public shortly before the commencement of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, represented by Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, hailed President Buhari for giving the country a new National Development Plan.

According to Bagudu, the Development Plan 2021-2025 is all inclusive and will help the country consolidate on the gains of previous ones.

The president later presided over the meeting of the the Federal Executive Council (FEC) where the Council approved N5.7 billion for the execution of two Water Supply projects in Yobe and purchase of seeds for various crops to boost food production in the country.

The virtual meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

President Buhari, who visited Maiduguri on Thursday, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

According to President Buhari, the entire nation remains grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the North East, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, and the wounded.

While in Maiduguri, Buhari inaugurated Oriental Energies Resource Ltd Hanger, Muhammadu Indimi Distance Learning Centre and an International Conference Centre, saying his administration will keep giving its best for the development of the country until May, 2023, reiterating that he will handover as stipulated by the Constitution.

The Centre was donated to the University of Maiduguri by business mogul, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, in Maiduguri, Borno.

President Buhari, who presided over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, also swore in the newly appointed Minister, representing Taraba, Malam Muazu Sambo.

NAN reports that the swearing in of the minister was held shortly before the opening of the meeting of the Security Council in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

Sambo, who replaced former Minister of Power, Mamman Sale, from Taraba, was posted to Ministry of Works and Housing as Minister of State, Works and Housing.

The Nigerian leader ended the week under review in a festive mood as he hosted Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and members of his immediate family, who paid him Christmas homage in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday.

NAN observed that the vice-president, who spent Christmas in Abuja for the first time in the last six and half years, offered special prayers for the general progress of the country as well as the well-being of the first family and the citizens.

The vice-president, who also spoke to State House correspondents, described the visit as memorable.

President Buhari had earlier wished Nigerians Merry Christmas, and also expressed his administration’s commitment to uplifting the quality of life of all citizens, assuring that he will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians.

Nigeria will be sufficient in sugar production in 2023

Sugar plan can save Nigeria $700million yearly

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Chairman, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has said that the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), when implemented as designed, can save the nation foreign exchange in excess of $700 million yearly from the backward integration component.
Dangote, according to a statement by the company, made the disclosure during a facility tour by some businessmen on Monday in Lagos.
He, however, warned that the scheme must be protected to insulate the Nigerian economy to be able to achieve the twin objectives of local manufacturing and job creation.
“If the national sugar master plan is followed strictly and the players all follow the rules, the country will be better for it as Nigeria will save between $600 million and $700 million annually as foreign exchange,” he said.
Dangote also told the visitors that the Dangote Group was scaling up its social intervention in communities hosting its companies across the country.
He said efforts were being made to impact positively on the host communities, as his companies had expended billions of naira in states where these investments were located.
Dangote explained that the Corporate Social Responsibility projects undertaken by his companies were in addition to efforts by his Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation.
He said the foundation was presently giving out micro grants to vulnerable women in all the 774 local governments across the country.
General Manager for the Backward Integration Programme, Dangote Sugar, John Beverley, said when the factory becomes fully operational, it would have the capacity to crush 12,000 tons of cane per day.
He said that 90MW power would be generated for both the company’s use and host communities.

Dangote Sugar

Dangote Sugar records N131.95bn revenue in H1

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Dangote Sugar Refinery has posted N131.95 billion revenue in its unaudited financial results for the half year (H1) ended June 30, 2021.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of the refinery, Ravindra Singhvi, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.
The company’s revenue rose by 27.8 per cent in contrast to N103.23 billion recorded in the comparative period of 2020, showing a strong improvements in performance indices.
Also, Gross Profit grew by 37.3 per cent to N28.59 billion compared to N20.82 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2020, due to better top line performance.
Group sales volume increased to 388,589 tonnes while production volume also increased by 7.6 per cent to 403, 846 tonnes driven by operations optimization drive.
“We commenced the year on a strong footing with impressive performance in first half as the financial results have shown, with a stronger Q1 top line growth and a robust Q2 top line growth year on year.
“During the period under review we launched our new packaging designs for the 50kg fortified and non-fortified sugar bags with the theme: ‘Dangote Sugar has a new look…. Same Great Quality’.
“The theme reaffirms the quality of our product and inspires a deeper connection to the Dangote Sugar brand among our valued customers and consumers, whilst refreshing our market presence as the leading sugar brand in Nigeria, ” Singhvi said.
Singhvi also said that the company, as part of its supply chain management sustainability journey, continued to enhance its out growers scheme.
“The technical and agriculture support provided for them over time has led to the improved yield from our outgrowers sugarcane farms at the Numan Sugar Estate.
“This effort will be sustained to ensure the socioeconomic growth of our immediate communities and improved sugar cane supply for production.
“The team is committed to navigate the second half of the year, keeping the health and safety of our people and partners as top priority.
“Our Refinery in Apapa and Backward Integration Operations in Numan, Adamawa State and Tunga, Nasarawa State continue to operate in compliance with our health and safety protocols while ensuring our commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices are maintained.”
According to Singhvi, the recurrent challenges with Apapa traffic gridlock persisted during the first half of the year but expressed optimism that the truck call up system will address the situation.
He explained that the achievement of the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration Projects targets remains the focus.
“We are resolute and will continue in our quest to put Nigeria on the path of sugar self-sufficiency and on the world sugar map,” he added.

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