The National Sugar Development Council has tightened enforcement of its backward integration programme, introducing stricter requirements for companies seeking import quotas and using satellite imagery to verify sugar projects.

Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Chartered Institute of Directors in Abuja.

Bakrin said the council has rebuilt its accountability system around four principles: qualify, reward, verify and enforce. Companies applying for quotas must now show genuine commitment to local production, while major refiners are required to provide audited production targets linked to their allocations, with penalties for shortfalls.

Satellite imagery will be used alongside physical inspections to independently confirm activity at project sites, replacing reliance on self-reporting.

The council has also set up a N10 billion sugar project acceleration fund with the Bank of Industry to finance feasibility studies and prepare greenfield sites for investment.

Bakrin announced ongoing talks with the African Export-Import Bank and collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to speed up the development of sugar estates. The council is also expanding the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme so that estates reserve land for smallholder farmers and invest in host communities.

He stressed that Nigeria’s challenge is not just agricultural capacity but building strong institutions that can sustain productivity over time. The council is introducing standardised processes and inviting the Chartered Institute of Directors to support better corporate governance across the sector.

Photo credit: The Cable Nigeria