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Backward Integration: Dangote Targets 700,000MT of Refined Sugar in Four years

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L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Temitope Hassan; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Ravindra Singhvi ; Executive Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Mariya Aliko Dangote; and Chairman, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote, at the Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 18th Annual General Meeting, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Lagos.

 

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) has unveiled plans to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four years, through its Backward Integration Programme (BIP).

Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote stated this at the company’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday in Lagos, just as the Nigerian Exchange released the company’s first-quarter result for 2024, indicating an increase of 20.1 per cent in its revenue to N122.7 billion.

Dangote, at the AGM, said in alignment with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s policy guidelines, DSR continues to focus on and enhance its Backward Integration Project (BIP) by deploying and reviewing project strategies to ensure efficient delivery.

He noted that the 700,000 metric tonnes would meet 50 per cent of the current market demand for refined sugar. According to him, the 10-year sugar development plan to produce 1.5 million MT of sugar per annum from locally grown sugarcane remains a germane roadmap to the attainment of the Company’s objectives.

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Our focus is on achieving the revised targets set for DSR Numan Operations, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, and Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, while we are hopeful that the Taraba State Government will resolve the community payment issues that have led to the stoppage of activities at the Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Lau/Tau project.”

He added that “…During the year under review, despite the challenges we were faced with, the company significantly scaled up investment in the Backward Integration Projects with the ongoing expansion of the DSR Numan factory refining capacity from 3,000TCD to 9,800TCD year-end.

The factory will be increased with an additional 5,200TCD to 15,000 TCD (tonnes of cane crushed per day) eventually to meet the need in view of the massive land development activities also going on at the site. The aim is to achieve 24,200 hectares in total by the year 2029.”

He also emphasised that despite the adverse impact on the business environment by the continuous increase in the inflationary trend, lack of liquidity and FX to fund the company’s equipment import among others for the backward integration projects, concerted efforts are ongoing to secure the needed funds for the development of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited project at Tunga in Awe Local Government Area of the state.

This will enable the company to put in place the needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production and ensure that the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration ‘Sugar for Nigeria Project’ is achieved. In the end, over $700 million investment would be committed to the Backward Integration Programme,” he added.

Dangote said that the Dangote Sugar (Ghana) Limited, was established as a subsidiary of the Company during the year under review, in line with the plan to expand its presence in the sugar industry across Africa.

On outlook, he stated that “achievement of the goals of the Sugar Backward Integration Master Plan remains our focus. This will go a long way in delivering the anticipated benefits, especially in FX savings and cushioning its impact on our operations amongst other benefits to the company, all stakeholders, and the nation.”

Group Managing Director/CEO of Dangote Sugar, Ravindra Singhvi said, “Despite these challenges, we are resolute and focused on the delivery of our business targets in the medium to long term.”

He pointed out that “as we continue to navigate through the scarcity and high cost of foreign exchange, escalating costs of raw materials amongst others, our focus is to enhance the effectiveness of our supply chain processes, optimise cost, improve our operational efficiencies and delivery on our Sugar for Nigeria backward integration project.”

He said “the target is to produce a minimum of 1.5MT refined sugar annually from locally produced sugarcane at our integrated sugar production estates, which is expected to alleviate some pressure on costs and our demand for foreign currency.

Achievement of a sustainable business remains one of our key strategies and concerted efforts were made towards sustaining the achievements we have recorded in the past,” Singhvi added.

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Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

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A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

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Gombe Commences building of NYSC Lodge to Accommodate Corpers – Education Commissioner

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National Youth Service Corp’s (NYSC ) members deployed to Gombe State have been urged to avail themselves with the massive on going transformations in the State.

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari while addressing the Corp members during their routine daily briefing at NYSC Orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government.

Prof Aishatu Maigari said in support to the contributions of the NYSC in the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is building in the first phase self contained houses that can accommodate over 100 corp members across public schools.

She therefore, urged the members of the scheme to feel at home throughout their service year as people of Gombe State are peace loving and hospitable in addition to the conducive environment created by the present administration in the state.

Responding, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC Mrs Chinwe Nnanne Nwachukwu commended the giant transformative drive of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the innovations taking place in the education sector of the state.

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The NYSC Coordinator also appreciated the Commissioner for attending the daily briefing which is a moral boaster to Corp members.

More than 1500 Youth Corp members are currently at the camp and will soon be posted to their various places of primary assignment for the service year.

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Gov. Abba K. Yusuf Approves ₦15.6 Billion for Over 3,000 Former APC Councillors’ Gratuities

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In a landmark decision that addresses the recklessness of the previous administration, Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State has approved a total of ₦15.6 billion for the settlement of outstanding severance gratuities, accommodation allowances, and leave/recess allowances owed to over 3,000 former councillors from the 44 local government councils.

This significant financial package targets councillors who served during three distinct periods: 2014-2017, 2018-2020, and 2021-2024. The funds are set to be disbursed in three installments across April, May, and June 2025.

These former councillors served under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, during which their entitlements remained unpaid. The issue of these outstanding payments has caused considerable frustration among the affected council members. Governor Yusuf, elected on a different political platform, has taken the initiative to settle their earned entitlements, marking a departure from previous administrative practices.

Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser on Information to the governor, issued a statement highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing the plight of the former councillors. “The approval of ₦15.6 billion is a fulfillment of Gov. Abba Yusuf’s promise to ensure that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are settled. It is our duty to uphold the dignity of those who serve in elected positions,” Adam stated.

He further emphasized that this financial intervention is not just a commitment to the past but also a step towards fostering trust and accountability in governance. “His Excellency recognize the sacrifices made by these councillors throughout their service. It is time to right the wrongs of the past, and the government is determined to make this happen,” he added.

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Local government officials have expressed appreciation for Governor Yusuf’s decision, viewing it as a critical step toward rectifying the financial injustices faced by these former councillors. This timely intervention is expected to provide much-needed support to the over 3,000 individuals who have long awaited their rightful entitlements.

Governor Yusuf’s administration continues to gain public support as it actively works to resolve various humanitarian and administrative issues that have persisted from previous regimes. As the scheduled payments approach, many are hopeful that this financial relief will further enhance the well-being of the former councillors and contribute positively to their communities.

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