Victor EzejaBUA foods’ sugar refinery, LASUCO, worth over $300 million is expected to process 10,000 tonnes of cane per day and an annual capacity of 220,000 metric tonnes, when fully completed.
The integrated sugar factory which is located on a 20,000 hectares of arable land in Lafiagi, Kwara State, recently received commendations from the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) over the level of progress made in developing it for robust sugar production in the country.
Executive Secretary, NSDC, Zacch Adedeji, during a working visit to the LASUCO integrated sugar factory, expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made, and applauded BUA Foods for its commitment towards the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) of the Federal Government.
Adedeji said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government is committed to revamping the sugar industry through the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), which has the capacity to ensure that the sugar industry in the country attains self-sustainability status, while providing job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
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He noted that Nigeria is a step closer to achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.
“At the sugar council, our aim is to locally produce 70% of Nigeria’s sugar consumption which is currently at 1.7metric tons per annum. LASUCO is expected to play a pivotal role in achievement of this goal as it’s expected to contribute up to 25% of the targeted local consumption based on its capacity.”
“I am impressed with the level of progress I have seen here. All that’s required is to further develop the field to which I have seen the commitment of the BUA team to meet that.”
Addressing the NSDC team in Lafiagi, the acting Managing Director, BUA Foods, Engr. Ayodele Abioye said the visit was timely as it restates the company’s drive to ensure the advancement of the food sector and the Nigerian economy.
Abioye said, “We thank the National Sugar Development Council. We are glad you like the level of work that has gone into this plantation and remain committed to fully attaining the backward integration program. Its role in conserving foreign exchange, boosting local capacity, creating jobs, enhancing skill acquisition and ensuring that less emphasis is placed on imported raw materials is clearly understood.
“We believe at take-off; this enormous project will make a huge impact to our business and the aspirations of the council”, The BUA Foods, acting MD stated.
Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawa, the Emir of Lafiagi described the project as a “game-changing initiative” that will spur development of the community.
The company is working towards supporting farmers through an out-grower scheme to increase sugar cane production and provide a springboard for expansion of its local sugar production while impacting the host community and Nigerian economy at large.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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