The Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin (L), and the representative of India’s Uttam Sucrotech International, Mr. Sanjiv Gulati (R), at the meeting.
By Felix Khanoba
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has announced 2025 as a pivotal year for advancing sugar project development.
This declaration came during a meeting with key investors, including Utham Sucrotech International from India, Niger Food Security Systems & Logistics Ltd, and American West African Agro (AWAA).
The meeting focused on Utham’s role in the Greenfield sugar project spearheaded by AWAA in Niger State.
Mr. Sanjiv Gulati, Utham’s Global Business Development Leader, presented the company’s extensive experience in establishing sugar projects worldwide.
He highlighted Utham’s capability in fabricating sugar processing equipment and achieving a 13% sugar recovery rate, affirming their expertise in the sector.
Mr. Flavio Castellari, a financial specialist with Utham, provided insights into Brazil’s sugar industry and suggested potential funding strategies for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, discussed financial arrangements supported by sovereign and corporate guarantees for a 100,000-hectare sugar project in Niger State and underscored the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Responding, Mr. Bakrin assured the investors of robust support from the NSDC to accelerate project development and enhance sugar yield in Nigerian estates.
He inquired about the anticipated sugar recovery rate for Utham’s operations at the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), with a projected rate of 12.3% confirmed by the company.
The NSDC delegation included Ms. Edirin Akemu, Director of Strategy and Performance Management; Mr. Teslim Bello, Senior Adviser to the ES; Mr. Balarebe Ladan, Acting Director of Project Development and Investment Promotion (PDIP); and Mr. John Adaga, Head of the Project Development and Support Division.
