The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investments, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has provided assurance that there will be no hike in the price of sugar. This affirmation was made during her visit to Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on Tuesday, as reported by The Nation.
Embarking on a tour of prominent manufacturing companies, including Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, BUA Sugar Refinery Ltd, Flour Mills Limited, Bestaf Ltd, Golden Sugar Company, and the Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the minister aimed to showcase the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening growth, innovation, and sustainability within the manufacturing sector.
Starting the tour at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on Tuesday, Dr. Uzoka-Anite expressed, “Today, I witnessed a standard of innovation and commitment to quality. We stand firm in ensuring stable sugar prices, crucial for Nigerians, particularly during Ramadan.”
She further added, “Let’s forge ahead, creating a sustainable and flourishing sugar industry for all.”
The minister declared the Federal Government’s support and potential partnership between the National Sugar Development Council and the Industrial Training Fund. This collaboration is expected to generate more employment opportunities and enhance skills within the industry.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite outlined plans for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation to provide cutting-edge machinery and equipment, reducing importation and promoting international standards. Additionally, she revealed plans for extensive staff training and the introduction of improved seed varieties from the Sugar Institute in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Emphasizing the administration’s commitment to job creation, the minister stressed the Skills Acquisition Collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund and assured manufacturers that she would visit all sugar refineries to assess their status.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized that low performance in the sugar master plan would no longer be condoned, highlighting the government’s dedication to improving food security and supporting the agricultural sector.