The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) to boost local sugar production, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and create inclusive economic opportunities for farmers across the country.
Speaking during the official launch of the programme in Abuja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, said the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and promote self-sufficiency in sugar production.
“The programme is a key component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and has been designed to scale up local sugarcane production, reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, and stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly within rural communities,” Bakrin said.
He described the SODP as a pioneering initiative for Nigeria’s sugar sector, marking the first time a structured outgrower development model will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain.
“This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production,” he added.
According to Bakrin, the SODP will empower participating farmers through a range of support mechanisms, including:
- Guaranteed offtake agreements to ensure market access
- Access to quality seed cane and inputs
- Technical support and structured training programmes
- Promotion of sustainable land and water use practices
He noted that these interventions are aimed at strengthening the sugar industry’s supply chain while promoting inclusive growth and rural development.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Lade Offurum, Head of Out-Grower Management at NSDC, explained that the SODP will engage three categories of farmers:
- Agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50 to 500+ hectares
- Farming cooperatives, operating as organised clusters of 30 to 50 hectares
- Individual farmers or partners willing to jointly cultivate 30+ hectares
Offurum encouraged interested participants to apply via email to the NSDC, adding that applications close on November 21, 2025.
“With the launch of the SODP, NSDC continues to deliver on the objectives of the NSMP II—accelerating investments in local production, empowering farmers, and advancing Nigeria’s vision for a globally competitive sugar industry,” she stated.
The NSDC says the SODP will serve as a strategic tool for achieving sustainable growth, empowering communities, and positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in sugar production and agro-industrial development.
