Nigeria has officially launched the Sugarcane Outgrowers Development Programme (SODP), a transformative initiative by the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) aimed at revolutionizing the country’s sugar sector and reducing its reliance on imports. The programme is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan II (NSMP II), designed to boost local sugarcane cultivation, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and position Nigeria as a self-sufficient sugar producer within the shortest possible time.
Programme Structure and Objectives
The SODP is structured to formally integrate farmers at all levels—large commercial farms, farming cooperatives, and clusters of smallholder farmers—into the national sugar value chain. This marks a pioneering effort in Nigeria’s sugar industry, as it is the first time a structured outgrower development programme will provide a direct pathway for farmers to participate in the sugar supply chain. The programme targets three main categories of farmers: commercial farmers cultivating between 50 and 500+ hectares, farming cooperatives with clusters of 30–50 hectares, and groups of individual farmers jointly cultivating at least 30 hectares.
Benefits for Farmers
Participating farmers will benefit from a range of support mechanisms, including guaranteed offtake agreements with sugar estates, access to quality seed cane and farm inputs, technical support, structured training programmes, and the adoption of sustainable land and water use practices. These measures are designed to ensure market access, reduce production risks, and empower farmers to maximize their yields and profitability. The NSDC has also committed to providing irrigation support and addressing water resource challenges, which are critical for sugarcane cultivation in Nigeria.
Economic and Social Impact
The SODP is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. By integrating smallholder farmers into the sugar value chain, the programme will create employment opportunities, stimulate rural development, and contribute to poverty reduction in agricultural communities. The initiative is also projected to attract significant investment into the sector, with recent reports indicating that Nigeria has already attracted over N480 billion in investments for sugar production. Additionally, the programme aligns with the NSDC’s broader goal of achieving at least 70% self-sufficiency in sugar production and even exporting surplus to earn foreign exchange.
Implementation and Participation
The NSDC has set up a dedicated framework for the implementation of the SODP, with applications open to interested farmers and cooperatives. Interested participants can reach out to the NSDC through official channels, with the application window closing on November 21, 2025. The programme is being rolled out in collaboration with major sugar companies such as Brent Sugar (Oyo), Niger Foods (Niger), Legacy Sugar (Adamawa), and UMZA, ensuring a robust supply chain and market linkage for outgrowers.
Vision for the Future
The launch of the SODP represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a globally competitive sugar industry. By fostering collaboration between the government, private investors, and farming communities, the programme aims to transform rural economies into viable agribusiness zones and secure Nigeria’s position as a leading sugar producer in Africa. The NSDC continues to drive investments, empower farmers, and advance the nation’s vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient sugar sector.
In summary, the Sugarcane Outgrowers Development Programme is a comprehensive and inclusive initiative that promises to boost local sugar production, create economic opportunities, and drive Nigeria towards sugar self-sufficiency and export potential.
