h August 2017 IN another bold move for self-sufficiency in sugar production through
government’s backward integration policy, Dangote
Group, yesterday in Minna, Niger State, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state
government for the establishment of a jumbo $450
million state-of-art and fully integrated sugar complex. On completion, according to the President of the group,
Aliko Dangote, the project will generate over 15,000 jobs
in the state and bring about a complete economic turn-
around for the state.
The $450 million pact signed at the government house
will see the company producing raw sugarcane on 16,000 hectares of land at Lavun Local Government Area
through an out-grower scheme.
The company, which is currently operating out-grower
scheme in rice production in a number of states, has
Africa’s largest sugar refinery in Lagos and a sugar cane
plantation in Numan, Adamawa State. Dangote said his investment was informed by his
company’s firm belief in the potential of the Nigerian
economy, adding that the new outlay will add value and
create jobs for Nigerians.
He commended the state Governor, Abubakar Bello, for
his foresight and efforts to woo investors to Niger State, noting that “the Dangote’s integrated sugar project in
Niger State will also include the establishment of
integrated sugar mills, generate power, produce
molasses, ethanol fuel, biomass and produce animal
feeds.”
In his remarks, the state governor, Bello, said the deal will revolutionise agriculture in his state and Nigeria.
Expressing joy that the MoU was signed during his own
administration, Bello described Dangote as the liberator
of the Nigerian economy and a dependable partner.
The governor then urged Dangote Group to explore
other investment opportunities available in the state, just as he announced that the state was open for multi-
sectoral investments.