Julian

Customs Hits ₦1.585trn Revenue Through AEO Programme

By Oluwakemi Kindness The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has facilitated the launch of a multi-million-dollar sugar project in Niger State in partnership with the Lee Group, owners of GNAL Sugar. The initiative aims to boost large-scale sugar production and advance Nigeria’s goal of self-sufficiency in sugar. NSDC Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin led a delegation to the Niger State Government House, Minna, to introduce Lee Group as a credible and long-term investor. He emphasized the council’s role in connecting serious investors with sub-national governments and providing support for land, infrastructure, and institutional facilitation required for successful sugar projects. “The Council is deliberate about the kind of investors we bring to our states. This engagement is about building a sustainable, long-term partnership that will benefit the state and Nigeria as a whole,” Bakrin said. On his part, Governor Umar Bago welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the project, offering any land in Niger State deemed suitable by the investors. He highlighted the state’s land, water, and political will as advantages for agricultural investments. “Niger State is open to serious investors. We have the land, water, and political will to support projects that will grow our economy and create jobs,” Governor Bago said. Lee Group Project Director, Lam Wing-Ki Wilkins said the company, with over 60 years of experience in industrial and agro-industrial development, is prepared to work closely with the Niger State Government and NSDC to establish a sustainable sugar project. “Sugar production is a long-term investment. We are prepared to work patiently with the state government and NSDC to ensure the success of this project,” Wilkins said. Niger State, Nigeria’s largest by land area at 76,363 km², is considered one of the most suitable states for sugarcane cultivation. NSDC’s national study identified 1.2 million hectares across the country suitable for sugar development, listing Niger among the top 11 states for large-scale projects. The state also hosts Golden Sugar Company, owned by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, in Sunti, Mokwa Local Government Area. This engagement mirrors a similar initiative in Jalingo, Taraba State, in November 2025, where NSDC facilitated land allocation for Lee Group to commence a multi-million-dollar sugar project immediately. Both efforts underscore NSDC’s strategy to attract credible investors, drive local value creation, and strengthen Nigeria’s sugar industry. rewrite professionally for web, make mobile friendly, issue based and craft seo headline National Sugar Development Council Partners Lee Group on Multi-Million-Dollar Sugar Project in Niger State By Oluwakemi Kindness Story (Mobile-Friendly Web Copy): The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has facilitated the launch of a multi-million-dollar sugar project in Niger State in partnership with Lee Group, owners of GNAL Sugar. The initiative is designed to boost large-scale sugar production and support Nigeria’s drive toward sugar self-sufficiency. NSDC Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, led a delegation to the Government House in Minna to introduce Lee Group as a credible long-term investor. He said the council connects serious investors with state governments while facilitating land access, infrastructure support and institutional backing needed for successful sugar projects. “The Council is deliberate about the kind of investors we bring to our states. This engagement is about building a sustainable, long-term partnership that will benefit the state and Nigeria as a whole,” Bakrin said. Governor Umar Bago welcomed the delegation and pledged the state’s full support, offering suitable land for the project. He cited Niger State’s vast land, water resources and political will as key advantages for agricultural investment. “Niger State is open to serious investors. We have the land, water, and political will to support projects that will grow our economy and create jobs,” the governor said. Lee Group Project Director, Lam Wing‑Ki Wilkins, said the company, with more than 60 years’ experience in industrial and agro-industrial development, is ready to work closely with the state government and NSDC to deliver a sustainable sugar venture. “Sugar production is a long-term investment. We are prepared to work patiently with the state government and NSDC to ensure the success of this project,” Wilkins said. Niger State—Nigeria’s largest by land area—remains one of the most suitable locations for sugarcane cultivation. NSDC studies identified 1.2 million hectares nationwide for sugar development, placing Niger among the top states for large-scale production. The state also hosts Golden Sugar Company in Sunti, Mokwa Local Government Area, owned by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. The initiative follows a similar NSDC-facilitated sugar investment in Jalingo, Taraba State, in November 2025, underscoring the council’s strategy to attract credible investors, boost local value creation and strengthen Nigeria’s sugar industry. Memory full

Customs Hits ₦1.585trn Revenue Through AEO Programme

Julian February 19, 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)...

NCS Says CBN Sets All Clearance Exchange Rates

NCS Says CBN Sets All Clearance Exchange Rates

Julian February 17, 2026

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it does not set exchange rates for cargo clearance. Instead, it applies...

Ogun Pays ₦450m Reward to Gateway Games Athletes

Ogun Pays ₦450m Reward to Gateway Games Athletes

Julian February 17, 2026

Ogun State Government has paid more than ₦450 million in cash rewards to athletes and officials who...

FG, Governors Release ₦8bn for Kano Fire Victims

FG, Governors Release ₦8bn for Kano Fire Victims

Julian February 17, 2026

Federal Government of Nigeria has approved ₦5bn to support victims of the recent fire at Singer Market...

EFCC Charges Couple With N740m Money Laundering

EFCC Charges Couple With N740m Money Laundering

Julian February 17, 2026

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Abuja-based couple over an alleged N740 million fraud....

Kenyan Runner Wins 2026 Lagos City Marathon

Kenyan Runner Wins 2026 Lagos City Marathon

Julian February 14, 2026

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering has won the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, finishing...

Davido Withdraws Custody Case After Online Controversy

Julian February 14, 2026

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has come under online criticism after mistakenly directing an angry social media post...

INEC Estimates N873.78bn for 2027 General Election INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu presenting the commission’s 2027 election budget proposal before the National Assembly in Abuja

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu presenting the commission’s 2027 election budget proposal before the National Assembly in Abuja

INEC Estimates N873.78bn for 2027 General Election

Julian February 13, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told the National Assembly that it requires N873.78bn to conduct...

2027: INEC Releases General Election Timetable 2027: Officials at INEC headquarters during announcement of the General Election timetable.

2027: INEC Releases General Election Timetable

Julian February 13, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released the official timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 General Election, outlining...

RTEAN Declares Support For Tinubu, as Moves on Bank of Transport Establishment

Julian February 13, 2026

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has declared support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of...

21-Year-Old Marine Dead After 72-Hour Search in Caribbean

Julian February 13, 2026

A US Marine has been declared dead after he fell overboard from the amphibious assault ship USS...

Nigeria Seeks Increased Investment in Youth, Women to Boost Food Security Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, addresses the IFAD 49 session in Rome, highlighting youth and women in agriculture.