By Victoria Ojeme

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources, has committed to addressing critical water access issues impacting sugar estates across Nigeria, a move aimed at supporting the country’s sugar production capabilities.

Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during a meeting with National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Executive Secretary Kamar Bakrin, stating that overcoming these challenges is essential to advancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency agenda in sugar production.

“Supporting the NSDC’s mandate on self-sufficiency in sugar production is a task that must be achieved. We must support the NSDC in achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production,” Utsev stated.

The Minister acknowledged that sugarcane cultivation requires a consistent water supply ranging from 1,500mm to 2,500mm throughout its growth cycle, which spans 12 to 18 months. “Without this, the crop suffers, leading to lower yields and diminished sugar content,” he added.

Earlier, Mr. Bakrin outlined specific requests during the meeting, including approval for a 20km open canal water conveyance system from River Hadejia to Gagarawa in Jigawa State. This project is expected to support the Great Northern Nigeria Agri-business Limited (GNAL) and create over 5,000 jobs upon completion.

“We need this infrastructure to ensure adequate water supply for our sugarcane farms,” Bakrin urged.

Reflecting on past agreements, Bakrin reminded the Minister that GNAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jigawa State Government in June 2015 to develop a sugarcane farm capable of producing 100,000 tons of sugar annually.

He expressed concern that despite receiving a Water Use License in 2018 for significant water abstraction, necessary approvals for irrigation systems remain pending.

Bakrin also called for intervention regarding Dangote Sugar Refinery’s ongoing challenges with rising water charges from Kiri Dam, despite a Presidential exemption granted earlier this year.

“We cannot allow these financial burdens to stifle our local producers,” he asserted.

In addition to addressing immediate irrigation needs, Bakrin proposed measures for managing flood risks along the Niger River to protect estates like Golden Sugar Estate in Niger State.

“This project has already created about 5,000 jobs, but faces significant threats from flooding,” he noted.

The Minister responded positively to these proposals, stating his commitment to collaboration with the NSDC and other stakeholders. “Sugarcane cannot thrive without water; we are here to support local production and will evaluate all proposals presented today,” Utsev added.