The Federal Government has commended the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kawu, and the people of the emirate for sustaining peace and supporting the operations of the Lafiagi Sugar Company, describing the community’s disposition as critical to the success of large-scale agro-industrial investments.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace in Lafiagi, Kwara State, as part of an inspection tour of sugar estates across the country.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ifeoma Williams, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, the minister noted that of all sugar projects nationwide, the Lafiagi Sugar Company records the least community-related crises, attributing this to the host community’s understanding of the project’s long-term socio-economic benefits.
Enoh paid homage to the Emir before inspecting the expansive sugar estate owned by BUA Group, marking the beginning of a series of nationwide visits by the FG, aimed at supporting the sugar industry to realise its full potential.
The minister stressed the importance of traditional institutions and host communities in sustaining large-scale investments, particularly in the agro-industrial sector, and praised the Lafiagi Emirate for its cooperation and support.
Explaining the significance of the palace visit, Enoh said engagement with traditional institutions remained a priority in governance and development efforts.
“When we were planning this visit, I was asked at what point I wanted to pay this courtesy call. I said as a politician, when we go on campaigns to wherever, our first port of call is the traditional institution.
“This is even more important when I am visiting a farm that is owned by the community. So, first things first, it was important to come and to let you know that I am in your community”, the statement partly read.
The minister further highlighted the unique level of cooperation enjoyed by the Sugar Company, compared to similar projects elsewhere in the country.
“We have various sugar plantations across the country, but this is one place I have continued to hear very good commentaries about the support of the community to the project.
“I think every support you give, you are actually giving it to your own community. Because if the plantation works, the first group of people that will benefit are the Lafiagi people”, the statement quoted the minister to have said.
According to the statement, Enoh added that the visit was also intended to bridge the gap between policy formulation in Abuja and realities on the ground, noting that direct engagement with project sites was essential for informed decision-making.
“I have spent about a year talking about sugar, having meetings with the Executive Secretary of NSDC, having meetings with even the management of the various sugar companies, it was important to step out of Abuja and to come to the farm and see things for myself, and my hope is that at the end of this visit, some milestones will be achieved,” the minister added.
The Lafiagi Sugar Company is one of the key projects under the Federal Government-backed Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, which seeks to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, reduce import dependence and create jobs through large-scale backward integration.
The plan encourages private-sector investment in sugar estates and refineries while promoting collaboration with host communities to ensure sustainability and minimise conflicts.
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