BUA Foods Plc has once again underlined its determination to help Nigeria produce enough sugar locally, as work steadily progresses at its Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO) in Kwara State.
The company recently welcomed the Minister of State for Industry, Dr. John Enoh, along with top officials of the Nigerian Sugar Development Council (NSDC), led by its Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, on a tour of the project site. The visit was to see firsthand how far work has gone on the sugar plant, which is now about 80 per cent complete.
The project fits squarely into the Federal Government’s backward integration plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at cutting Nigeria’s dependence on imports and boosting local production.
During the inspection, the delegation toured the vast facility, which is being developed as a fully integrated sugar complex. When completed, LASUCO is expected to crush 10,000 tonnes of sugarcane daily, produce about 220,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar each year, generate 35 megawatts of electricity, and produce 20 million litres of industrial ethanol annually.
Dr. Enoh praised the level of work already done, especially the roads, housing and other facilities built for workers and the host community. He stressed the need to keep the momentum going.
“A lot has been achieved, and it’s important that this progress continues,” he said. “This is the largest greenfield sugar project in the country, and it is crucial that it is completed.”
Before the site tour, the minister and the BUA delegation, led by Group Executive Director of BUA Group, Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu, and Managing Director of BUA Foods Plc, Engr. Ayodele Abioye, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Kawu.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu described LASUCO as a game-changer for Nigeria’s sugar industry.
“What we are building here in Lafiagi will be the biggest sugar mill, plantation and refinery in Nigeria,” he said. “Despite some earlier delays, we are now pushing ahead strongly. This project will not only produce sugar but also generate power and ethanol, creating jobs and value for the country.”
The Emir of Lafiagi thanked BUA Foods for its investment and assured the company of the community’s full support, noting that the project would bring lasting benefits to the area.
“We are looking forward to seeing this sugar project fully operational because of the positive impact it will have on our people,” the Emir said.
NSDC Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, also commended BUA Foods, describing the scale of investment as unmatched in Nigeria’s sugar sector.
“No company has invested in a sugar factory the way BUA Foods has,” he said, adding that the Council would continue to work closely with the company to ensure the project is completed on time.
BUA Foods reaffirmed its commitment to speeding up construction at LASUCO, saying the project reflects its long-term vision for Nigeria’s agricultural growth, industrial development and economic transformation.
