The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has concluded the pioneer cohort of its residential training programme aimed at developing a skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s sugar industry and support the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) 2.0.
The initiative is designed to strengthen technical capacity across the sugar value chain as the country works towards its target of producing two million metric tonnes of sugar locally and reducing dependence on imports.
Speaking at the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said the future of the industry depends on building a new generation of specialised professionals capable of improving productivity in both sugarcane cultivation and factory operations.
According to him, the NSMP 2.0 focuses on key areas including accelerated land preparation, improved irrigation systems, high yield seed cane production and efficient factory operations to transform the sugar sector into a profitable and sustainable industry.
“Neither field productivity nor factory efficiency alone can transform the industry.
Sustainable growth and the elimination of sugar import dependency require a seamless integration of both. Under the performance driven framework of NSMP 2.0, operators will be held accountable for delivering results while developing personnel who can achieve high cane yields and optimal factory efficiency,” Bakrin said.
He noted that the strong response to the maiden edition of the programme highlighted the industry’s shortage of technical manpower and reinforced the need for sustained capacity development to support sectoral expansion.
The first cohort, comprising 39 participants, underwent intensive residential training from June 29 to July 3, 2026, while a second cohort of 41 trainees is scheduled to begin on July 13.
Participants received practical training in sugarcane biology, variety selection, water management and yield optimisation. A key feature of the programme was the “Cane Clinics,” where trainees analysed real-life farm challenges, identified operational bottlenecks and developed practical solutions with industry experts following field exercises.
The programme also included visits to the National Museum and the Innovation Hub in Ilorin to expose participants to broader perspectives on innovation and national development.
According to the NSDC, the residential training was hosted at the Nigeria Sugar Institute’s purpose built campus, which provided accommodation and collaborative learning spaces to encourage networking among participants.
The pioneer cohort brought together professionals from leading industry operators, including Dangote’s Adamawa Sugar Company, BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Company, Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, Illaj Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Progressive Farmers’ Groups and the NSDC.
The Council said the initiative is expected to strengthen technical expertise across the industry and accelerate Nigeria’s drive towards sugar self sufficiency under the National Sugar Master Plan 2.0.
