Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has advocated for the inclusion of sugarcane in the IFAD/Federal Government Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) to cut down on the importation of raw sugar from Brazil.

At a meeting with IFAD Country Director Mrs. Dede Ekoue at the Government House in Lafia, Governor Sule explained that Nigeria imports about 96% of its 1.4 to 1.6 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, with the raw sugar being refined in major local refineries. He argued that incorporating sugarcane into the VCDP could decrease reliance on imports and create up to 500,000 jobs.

Sule pointed to Kenya’s successful sugarcane value chain as a model for Nigeria, proposing that local small farmers grow sugarcane for processing by existing refineries. “By managing the full value chain domestically, we could engage up to half a million people and bolster our agricultural sector,” he said.

The governor also noted the potential benefits of a sugarcane value chain, such as power generation and animal feed production. He urged federal representatives overseeing the VCDP to expand its scope to include sugarcane alongside cassava and rice.

While acknowledging the VCDP’s positive impact on agriculture in Nasarawa State, Governor Sule expressed gratitude for the inclusion of the state in the program and affirmed Northern governors’ support for national food security efforts.

IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue commended Governor Sule for his dedication and timely funding contributions, which have supported over 4,300 farmers and initiated waste-to-wealth projects. She praised the governor’s support for women and youth groups and highlighted the VCDP’s overall success in engaging communities and improving agricultural practices.

Dr. Fatima Aliyu, representing the National Coordinator of the VCDP, confirmed the program’s positive effects across the nine participating states, with notable progress in Nasarawa. Dr. Yunis Adigidzi, the State VCDP Coordinator, emphasized the program’s focus on enhancing food security and reducing rural poverty, attributing its success to consistent state government support.