Minister urges full operations at sugar institute, hails NSDC boss reforms

The Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, has commended the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Kamar Bakrin, for the significant reforms and infrastructural upgrades at the institute.

A statement on Thursday said Enoh gave the commendation during an official visit to the Nigerian Sugar Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, while urging the institute to commence full operations.

The minister stressed the need for the institute to function optimally as a hub for capacity development, technical expertise, and innovation in Nigeria’s sugar sector.

According to Enoh, the institute has a strategic role to play in Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation and self-sufficiency in sugar production.

“I have found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be passionate, focused, and committed to achieving the set objectives of the NSI.

“The policy reforms, capacity building and infrastructural upgrade that have taken place in the Institute within a very short time are quite commendable,” Enoh said.

“I must, however, urge the Executive Secretary not to rest until this place becomes fully operational.

“This is because the role the Institute has to play in our drive for increased local production and industrialisation of the sugar sector is so critical,” he added.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting both the NSDC and the NSI in achieving their mandates, calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to transform the industry.