By Nafisa Musa
In a strategic move to advance the use of indigenous raw materials in Nigerian industries, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). Adamawa State Coordination Office conducted an industrial visit to Dangote Sugar Company Located at Numan Local Government Area Kilometers 81 Yola, Gombe road, on April 29, 2025. The visit aimed to assess production processes and explore opportunities for increased local sourcing within Nigeria’s sugar sector.
During the engagement, RMRDC State Coordinator Mr. Honda T. Honda outlined the Council’s objectives to the Dangote Sugar management team. He emphasized RMRDC’s interest in understanding the company’s operational capacity, identifying raw material sources, evaluating challenges to local sourcing, and exploring potential areas for collaboration.
The delegation toured various sections of the Dangote Sugar facility, including the expansive cane fields, processing units, and refining areas. Dangote Sugar’s Group General Managing Director, Alhaji Dan Musa, provided a comprehensive briefing, detailing the company’s production processes, installed capacity, output levels, and sources of raw materials.
According to Musa, Dangote Sugar plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s sugar industry, operating an integrated estate that includes both sugarcane plantations and processing factories. The company contributes substantially to Nigeria’s sugar backward integration program, aimed at reducing import dependence through local production.
You Might AlsoLike
The RMRDC delegation noted the factory’s deployment of advanced machinery and mechanized cane harvesting systems, supported by high-quality planting materials and extensive irrigation infrastructure. While the company employs a combination of full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers — particularly during harvest periods — it still contends with challenges such as reliance on seasonal labour, energy supply constraints, and infrastructural limitations.
The visit underscored shared ambitions between RMRDC and Dangote Sugar to strengthen Nigeria’s local raw materials ecosystem. The council pledged to provide technical and advisory support to enhance productivity and raw material efficiency at the company. Additionally, RMRDC committed to assisting Dangote Sugar in developing a roadmap to increase local sourcing of critical inputs such as lime, yeast, and packaging materials.
The collaboration is poised to stimulate industrial growth and fortify Nigeria’s quest for greater self-reliance in raw materials production.
