Nigeria boosts industrial drive with new leadership in Sugar Development/workforce training

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and workforce development, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Governing Boards of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, underscored the Tinubu administration’s commitment to boosting local production, diversifying the economy, and preparing Nigerians for global competitiveness through skill development.

Senator Enoh described the sugar sector as a critical pillar for economic transformation, citing its vast value chain and potential to generate jobs, attract investment, and reduce import dependency. He emphasized the need for full implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan and the Backward Integration Programme, which aim to ramp up domestic sugar production.

The newly inaugurated NSDC board, chaired by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has been charged with strengthening sector governance and accelerating policy execution. The Minister set a 90-day target for the board to report tangible progress and align with national industrial goals.

Simultaneously, the inauguration of the ITF Governing Board, chaired by Hon. Hamma Alikumo, marked a major step toward bridging Nigeria’s skills gap. Senator Enoh stressed the importance of tailoring ITF programmes to match evolving industry needs, encouraging the adoption of tech-based training, academia-industry collaboration, and efficient resource management.

Both board chairmen expressed appreciation for the government’s confidence and pledged to lead with focus and innovation, in line with national development priorities.

The dual inaugurations represent a renewed drive toward industrial revitalisation, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity for Nigeria.