The Senate Committee on Industries led by its Chairman, Senator Bayo Osinowo recently visited major sugar project sites in Kwara and Lagos states to monitor progress so far made in line with the implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) and also interact with major operators in the industry.
The Senate team comprised of Senators Bayo Osinowo, Ibrahim Hadejia, Francis Fadahunsi and Danjuma Laah, while the National Sugar Development Council team was made up of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Latif D. Busari; Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Hezekiah Kolawole; Director, Finance and Account, Malam Auwalu Abubakar Shira; Director, Procurement, Malam Ibrahim S. Ibrahim; Special Assistant to the ES, Mr. Chris Mbamalu and other Council staff.
The team began its oversight visit with a courtesy call on the Emir of Lafiagi, Kwara state, Alhaji Saadu Abubakar and later proceeded to the Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO), which is the Backward Integration Programme site of the BUA Group. The delegation was received by the General Manager, BUA Sugar Refinery, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro and members of his team.
While at the BUA project site, Alhaji Yaro briefed the delegation on the level of progress so far made, projections as well as challenges facing the company. He said though efforts are on to ensure early completion of the project, but highlighted paucity of funds, lack of access to land and dearth of infrastructure as well as insecurity as major problems confronting them.
He was however optimistic that the BUA Group would meet and surpass its targets and deliver on its promises given the enormous technical and financial resources it has invested in the project.
On his part, the Chairman Senate Committee on Industries, Senator Bayo Osinowo pledged his Committee’s readiness to provide all the necessary legislative support and policies that would drive development in the sugar sector, adding that the sector holds a lot of potentials for Nigeria and Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Latif D. Busari said government will continue to provide the right policies and enabling environment to protect investments in the sugar sector. He said all the challenges highlighted would be looked into by relevant government agencies.
The team after visiting the NSDC Sugarcane Biofactory and the Nigeria Sugar Institute in Ilorin, later proceeded to Lagos where it visited the Dangote Sugar Refinery. The delegation was received by the DSR Team and taken round its facilities.