Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has committed over $700 million to its Backward Integration Programme (BIP) in a bid to make Nigeria self-sufficient in sugar production. This initiative aligns with the Federal Government's policy to reduce dependence on sugar imports.

The company aims to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane within the next four years, meeting approximately 50% of Nigeria's current sugar demand. The long-term goal is to achieve an annual production of 1.5 million metric tonnes through the development of sugar projects in Nasarawa and Adamawa states.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery, has emphasized the importance of adhering to the National Sugar Master Plan to ensure the success of these initiatives. He noted that faithful implementation of the plan could save Nigeria between $600 million and $700 million annually in foreign exchange by reducing sugar imports.

The company is also expanding its operations in Numan, Adamawa State, by increasing the factory's refining capacity from 3,000 to 9,800 tonnes of cane per day, with plans to further boost it to 15,000 tonnes per day. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited project in Tunga, Awe Local Government Area, to commence full-scale production.

These investments are expected to significantly reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported sugar, conserve foreign exchange, and contribute to the nation's economic development.