NSDC Unveils Sugarcane Outgrower Programme to Boost Local Production, Cut Imports
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a major intervention aimed at ramping up local sugarcane production and reducing Nigeria’s heavy dependence on sugar imports.
The programme, which forms part of the implementation strategy for the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan II (NSMP II), is designed to support farmers, strengthen the sugar value chain, and accelerate Nigeria’s path toward self-sufficiency in sugar production.
Announcing the initiative, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, said the scheme would complement the output of existing sugar estates while creating new opportunities for rural farmers and agribusinesses across the country.
“The SODP is designed to boost local sugarcane cultivation, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the industry’s supply chain,” Bakrin said.
He noted that the programme marks the first time Nigeria is introducing a formally structured outgrower model in the sugar sector, ensuring that smallholder and medium-scale farmers have direct access to markets, inputs, and technical expertise.
“This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency in sugar production,” he added.
Under the scheme, participating farmers will benefit from guaranteed offtake arrangements, access to improved seedcane and farming inputs, technical support, and training on modern and sustainable sugarcane cultivation practices.
Head of Out-Grower Management at the NSDC, Mrs. Lade Offurum, explained that the programme targets three farmer categories: commercial sugarcane growers with 50–500+ hectares; organised cooperative clusters cultivating between 30 and 50 hectares; and groups of individual farmers jointly managing a minimum of 30 hectares.
According to her, these categories were designed to encourage large-scale commercial farming while ensuring that rural farmers and cooperatives are adequately supported to participate.
With the rollout of the SODP, the NSDC says it is reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to building a globally competitive sugar industry, deepening local value creation, and supporting job creation in agricultural communities.
