FG strengthens industrial growth with strategic leadership in sugar sector, workforce dev’t
By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to industrial transformation with the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). This critical step, led by Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, underscores the government’s dedication to boosting local production capacity, ensuring economic diversification, and equipping Nigeria’s workforce with the skills needed for global competitiveness.
This was contained in a press statement from Dr Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Industrial, Trade and Investment (FMITI), on Thursday.
At the ceremony in Abuja, Senator Enoh highlighted the strategic importance of the sugar sector, describing it as a valuable commodity with an extensive value chain capable of driving economic growth. He emphasised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to optimising the industry’s performance through the full implementation of the backward integration programme, ensuring that Nigeria strengthens its domestic sugar production and reduces reliance on imports.
The newly inaugurated NSDC board, chaired by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has been tasked with revitalising governance, overseeing strategic policy implementation, and maximising the sector’s potential within the framework of the National Sugar Master Plan.
According to a press statement from Dr Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press and Public Relations, FMITI, the Minister expressed a strong commitment to collaboration, setting a three-month window for reporting measurable progress toward achieving industry goals.
In parallel, the inauguration of the ITF Governing Board, chaired by Hon. Hamma Alikumo, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to bridge workforce skill gaps and align talent development with industry demands. Senator Enoh emphasised the critical role of ITF in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for a highly competitive global economy, advocating for technology-driven training programs, industry-academia partnerships, and strategic resource utilisation to accelerate progress.
Both board chairmen extended their gratitude to the Honourable Minister and pledged to align their efforts with national priorities, ensuring their leadership drives meaningful economic growth and industrial resilience.
This dual inauguration represents a bold step toward Nigeria’s industrial transformation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic diversification, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity.
