Nigeria's N183 Billion Cane Sugar Import Bill Highlights Import Dependence

Nigeria's reliance on imported cane sugar reached alarming levels in the first half of 2026, with the country spending about N183.5 billion on imports, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This figure underscores a persistent trend of dependency on foreign sugar, as the latest data reveals that imports of cane sugar declined by 26.9% quarter-on-quarter, falling from N106.02 billion in the first quarter to N77.48 billion in the second quarter of the year.

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, speaking at First Bank's Agricultural Expo in Lagos, highlighted the paradox of Nigeria's sugar production capabilities. Despite the country having suitable land for sugar cultivation, it imports a staggering 97% of the sugar consumed domestically. "All our factories in Lagos, when they say they are producing, it's not true; they process imported sugar concentrates. Only about three percent is what we produce," Bago stated, calling attention to the urgent need for local agricultural investment.

The Niger State Governor did not mince words in expressing the economic potential of sugarcane beyond just raw sugar. He pointed out that the by-products of sugarcane, including ethanol, molasses for confectionaries and animal feed, and bagasse for power generation, could contribute significantly to Nigeria's economy. "There is no waste in the product’s value chain," he asserted, advocating for a comprehensive approach to sugarcane cultivation and processing.

As the country grapples with the economic implications of such heavy import dependence, Bago's remarks serve as a clarion call for policymakers and investors to explore the vast agricultural opportunities that lie within Nigeria's borders. With sugarcane thriving in the wild in parts of the country, the potential for domestic production could not only meet local demand but also position Nigeria as a player in the global sugar market.

"We have arable land. In fact, in my state, sugar grows in the wild, and you can harvest it five times," Governor Bago emphasized, urging for action towards local sugar production.