Governor Umar Bago has announced Niger State’s commitment to hosting a massive new sugar production project in partnership with the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group.
During a meeting at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago expressed his administration’s readiness to provide land in any part of the state for the multi-million dollar investment. He emphasized that the state’s vast resources and political will make it an ideal hub for serious agricultural investors.
”Niger State is open to serious investors,” Governor Bago stated. “We have the land, water, and political will to support projects that will grow our economy and create jobs. The government is ready to provide land for this sugar project from any part of the state that the investor considers suitable.”
The delegation was led by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, who introduced the Lee Group—owners of GNAL Sugar—as a credible partner with a proven track record. Mr. Bakrin noted that the Council is actively facilitating partnerships between high-caliber investors and state governments to achieve national self-sufficiency in sugar. Strategic Importance of Niger State
Niger State is currently the largest state in Nigeria by land area, covering approximately 76,363 km². A recent national study by the NSDC identified 1.2 million hectares of land suitable for sugar development across Nigeria, listing Niger as one of the top 11 states for sugarcane cultivation.
The state is already home to the Golden Sugar Company (GSC) in Sunti, which is owned by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. The addition of the Lee Group project is expected to further solidify the state’s position in the sector.
Investor Profile and Commitment
Mr. Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, Project Director of the Lee Group, highlighted the conglomerate’s 60-year history in industrial and agro-industrial development. He noted that the group is prepared for the long-term nature of sugar production and cited Niger State’s abundant water resources as a primary draw.
“We understand that sugar production is a long-term investment,” Wilkins said. “Our interest in Niger state is based on its natural advantages… and we are prepared to work patiently with the state government and NSDC to develop a sustainable sugar project.”
This engagement follows a similar move by the NSDC in November 2025, where a partnership was established between the Lee Group and the Taraba State government to kickstart a multi-million-dollar project in Jalingo.
