Checkout Magazine has learnt that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported sugar continues unabated at approximately 98,000 metric tonnes in March 2025.
Despite repeated calls for enhanced local sugar production, the dependence on imports remains significant, as recent port activity reports reveal substantial shipments of raw sugar entering the country.
This growing trend aligns with concerns raised by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Olusola Odusanya, who both highlighted the economic risks of Nigeria’s over-reliance on sugar imports.
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) latest “Daily Shipping Position” report, raw sugar imports continue to dominate berthing activities at major terminals.
The report showed two significant shipments are currently being discharged, including AEPOS, a 199.9-metre vessel, berthed at Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) on March 14, 2025, carrying approximately 48,000 MT of raw sugar from Brazil, expected to depart on March 29, 2025.
And SEA DIAMOND 1, a 189.94-metre vessel, berthed at Greenview Development Nigeria Limited (GDNL) on March 19, 2025, handling 50,000 MT of bulk sugar, scheduled to depart on March 27, 2025.
This large importation reflects the country’s inability to meet domestic sugar demand, with over 96 per cent of its annual sugar consumption of approximately 1.8 million MT sourced from foreign markets. Nigeria’s local production remains at a paltry 48,000 MT, leaving a supply gap of about 1.75 million MT.
Recall that in September 2024, during a visit by the Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dede Ekoue, at the Government House in Lafia, the governor highlighted the implications of the nation’s sugar consumption pattern.
“Today, Nigeria consumes roughly about 1.4 to 1.6 million metric tonnes of sugar. This quantity, about 96 per cent, is imported as raw sugar from Brazil and refined at our three refineries owned by Dangote, BUA, and Golden Penny. If we establish the entire value chain of sugarcane production in Nigeria, it could create employment opportunities for at least 500,000 people,” Sule stated.
