The Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited factory in Iseyin, Oyo State, has entered the commissioning and test-running stage after years of development and financial support.
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) said the 300-tonnes-per-day greenfield sugar mill is a major milestone in efforts to boost local sugar production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
The project was developed under the Backward Integration Programme of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. The NSDC initially provided about N1.64 billion for the factory’s core sugar mill, with additional funding for sugarcane development and operations, bringing its total commitment to about N2.2 billion.
The Oyo State Government also invested approximately N850 million in equity to support the completion of outstanding works.
NSDC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Kamar Bakrin, said the factory’s readiness resulted from the sustained commitment of the council, the state government and the project promoters.
Bakrin said the NSDC would continue supporting the facility as it progresses from test-running to full commercial production.
The council also commended the project promoters and farming communities in Iseyin, noting that the initiative evolved from a cooperative farming venture into an operational sugar factory.
With a capacity of 300 tonnes per day, the facility is expected to strengthen sugar processing and create a stronger link between local cane farmers and industrial production.
The NSDC described the Iseyin project as one of the few new-build sugar factories to emerge from the Backward Integration Programme, which seeks to expand local sugarcane cultivation and processing.
The move into commissioning marks a significant step towards full commercial operations and the development of an integrated domestic sugar industry
