The National Sugar Development Council, says it has made great strides for the country with the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan.
The Executive Secretary, Zacch Adedeji disclosed this when the newly elected Executive Council of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, CICAN, paid him a visit in Abuja.
He said in 2012, the first phase of the sugar master plan was approved, lasting from 2012 to 2022 with the cardinal objectives of the policy to ensure that Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in sugar production, cut down or completely eliminate the importation of refined sugar into the country, create job opportunities for the teeming youth population as well as generate electricity and production of ethanol for industrial purposes.
The NSDC Executive Secretary said the Council will continue to work with stakeholders such as the media to achieve its mandate of pursuing the continuous growth of the local sugar industry and the attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production.
While assuring the association of his support called on media to partner with the council to enable it achieve what he described as an ambitious and achievable targets contained in the extended sugar masterplan.
He added that the partnership has become even more critical as the National Sugar Masterplan mandate has been extended for another 10 years, from 2023-2033.
“For us in the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), we take our core mandate seriously and we don’t joke with our partners in progress, in the media who bridge the gap between us and the general public.
“The robust, mutually beneficial relationship we have had with you and your colleagues over the years is one thing we don’t take for granted. As always, our doors are always open to all our friends in the media. Anytime you call, we always give you audience ” he said.
