Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has assured the National Sugar Development Council and the Lee Group of his administration’s commitment to the emergence of another massive sugar project in the state.

The visibly excited governor spoke at a meeting with teams from the NSDC and the Lee Group held at the Government House in Minna.

He urged his guests to select any land in any part of the state, assuring that it would be made available for the Group to establish a multi-million dollar sugar production project.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, led a delegation comprising officials from the Council and the Lee Group – owners of GNAL Sugar – to the Niger State Government House.

The visit formed part of efforts to support the emergence of more strategic investments in the sugar sector.

Governor Bago welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s readiness to partner with credible investors in agriculture, particularly sugar production.

“Niger State is open to serious investors. We have the land, water, and political will to support projects that will grow our economy and create jobs. The government is ready to provide land for this sugar project from any part of the state that the investor considers suitable,” the Governor said.

He assured that the state government would work closely with NSDC and Lee Group to ensure a conducive investment environment.

The governor emphasised collaboration and long-term partnership as guiding principles.

According to the NSDC delegation, the visit aimed to introduce the Lee Group as a renowned investor in large-scale sugar production to Niger State.

Niger State is identified as one of Nigeria’s most viable locations for sugarcane development due to its vast arable land and abundant water resources.

Mr. Bakrin reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in sugar production through credible partnerships and serious investors.

“The Council is deliberate about the kind of investors we bring to our states. Lee Group is a serious conglomerate with a long-standing track record in sugar and industrial development, and this engagement is about building a sustainable, long-term partnership that will benefit the state and Nigeria as a whole,” Mr. Bakrin said.

He explained that NSDC’s role extends beyond policy formulation to actively facilitating engagements between investors and sub-national governments.

This includes unlocking land, infrastructure, and institutional support required for successful sugar projects.

The Project Director of Lee Group, Mr. Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, highlighted the company’s long history in industrial and agro-industrial development.

He noted that the group has been in operation for over six decades with extensive experience in sugarcane cultivation, processing, and integrated value-chain development across different regions.