Food, beverage sector drive sugar demand in Nigeria – Report
Orisemeke Benjamin
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) 2024 report has revealed that food and beverages remain primary driver of sugar demands accounting for over 80 percent of industrial consumption.
In its 2024 report, the Council stated that household usage was about 20 percent
In 2024 according to the report, total sugar Consumption in Nigeria fell to approximately 150 million metric tons (MMT) from 162 MMT in 2023.
It stated that Nigeria imported approximately 18 million MT of raw sugar in 2024 while refined sugar imports remain banned to protect local refines.
“The NSMP launched in 2002 and extended through 2033 is primarily focused on expanding domestic sugar production to achieve self- sufficiency, targeting an annual output of 1.8 million MT and the development of300.000 hectares of irrigated sugar cane farms across Nine states.
“Its key objectives included boosting local production capacity, curbing excessive imports and creating employment opportunities within the sector,” the Commission stated.
India remained the world’s largest sugar consumer accounting for 29.5 MMT followed by other high demand markets across Asia and Europe, the report added.
