BUA Foods Restates Commitment To Sugar Self-sufficiency With Lafiagi Plant

BUA Foods Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving sugar self-sufficiency in Nigeria through the ongoing development of its Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO) Limited.

The Company hosted the Minister of State for Industry, Dr. John Enoh, alongside a delegation from the Nigerian Sugar Development Council, led by its Executive Secretary, Kamar Bakrin, on an inspection tour of Lafiagi Sugar Company in Lafiagi, Kwara State.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the significant progress on the sugar production plant, which is now approximately 80 per cent complete. This initiative aligns with the federal government’s commitment to supporting the backward integration program, emphasizing the President’s renewed hope agenda and the nation’s pursuit of sugar self-sufficiency.

The considerable investment in this project underscores the commitment of the chairman of BUA Foods, Alhaji Abdul Rabiu, to fostering industrial growth and driving transformative economic outcomes.

During the tour, both the Minister and representatives from the Nigerian Sugar Development Council observed firsthand the impressive advancements made at LASUCO, designed as a fully integrated sugar production facility. Once operational, the plant will be capable of producing 10,000 tons of cane per day, 220,000 metric tons of refined sugar annually, generating 35 megawatts of electricity, and processing 20 million liters of industrial ethanol each year.

Following the tour, Enoh highlighted the remarkable infrastructure developments, including roads and facilities for both workers and the local community.

He emphasised the need for continued progress and collaboration, noting, “progress has been made, and we must ensure it continues. LASUCO represents the largest greenfield factory among major players, with a 10,000 tons per day capacity, and it is crucial that we see the project completed.”

Ahead of the facility inspection, the Minister, the Group executive director of BUA Group, Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu, managing director, BUA Foods Plc, Engr. Ayodele Abioye and the accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Kawu.

During this meeting, Group executive director of BUA Group, Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu declared that LASUCO is set to become the largest integrated sugar plant in Nigeria.

He stated, “what we are building here in Lafiagi will be the biggest sugar mill, plantation, and refinery in the country, with a processing capacity of 10,000 tons of cane per day. We will also generate 35 megawatts of electricity from bagasse and process 20 million liters of industrial ethanol each year. While we have faced some delays, we are now accelerating momentum and are committed to continuing our plantation efforts.”

The Emir expressed his appreciation for BUA Foods’ dedication to the LASUCO project and assured that the Lafiagi community will remain supportive of the initiative.

He added, “we are keen to see the sugar master plan operational, as we understand its potential benefits for our community.”

The executive secretary of the Nigerian Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin reiterated the Council’s commitment to collaborating closely with BUA Foods to ensure timely project completion and foster long-term developments within the sector, remarking, saying “no one has invested in a sugar factory in this way as BUA Foods has.”

Also, BUA Foods emphasised that construction at LASUCO will proceed with increased intensity, reinforcing its long-term dedication to Nigeria’s sugar industry, agricultural progress, and economic revitalisation.