Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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.

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.

News

Governor Yusuf Commends President Tinubu ,Edo Governor For Swift Action Over Uromi Genocide

Published

on

 

The Kano State Government, on behalf of the good people of the state, especially the grieving families of the Uromi attack who hailed from Toranke, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for the visit of Federal Government delegation and that of the Governor of Edo State in a show of solidarity and concern over the tragic killings of 16 Kano indigines in Udene, Uromi Local Government Area of Edo State.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who expressed deep sorrow over the heinous act reiterated his call for justice and thanked the visiting delegations for their commitment to support efforts at securing justice for the families of the deceased and the injured

Governor Yusuf emphasized the need for a transparent legal process, including the public parade of the arrested suspects, to assure Nigerians that justice is not only being done but is being served.
We appreciate the actions taken so far, but justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The people of
Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserves to see those responsible for this massacre are brought to justice publicly

The Kano stat governor also commended Governor Okpebholo for his engagement with the Hausa community in Edo State to prevent further escalation of tensions and for his commitment to compensating the bereaved families

“The compensation which the delegation promised is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families who have lost their breadwinners,” he noted

Furthermore, the Kano State Government also extends its sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt directive to security agencies to
apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this atrocity

The swift intervention by the Federal Government underscores its commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, regardless of their state of origin

On their part, the people of Torankawa where most of the victims hailed from also expressed their appreciation for the concerted efforts of both Edo State Government and that of Federal Government in addressing the matter.
The Governors of Kano and that of Edo, had both committed towards ensuring thorough and transparent justice process to ensure that such an unfortunate incident never occurs again in any part of the country

In a statement signed by the state commissioner of Information and internal affairs comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the Kano State Government remains steadfast in its demand for justice and would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the families of the victims receive the compensation and the treatment they deserve.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

Kano Governor’s Aide Denies Defiance of Police Order on Durbar Procession During Sallah Festival

Published

on

 

In a press briefing today, Barrister Aminu Hussaini, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, refuted claims that the Kano State Government defied a police directive prohibiting horse processions (durbar) during the Sallah celebrations. He clarified that the prohibition was issued by His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, under the provisions of the Public Order Act, and merely announced by the State Police Commissioner.

Barr. Hussaini emphasized that the Governor, as the rightful authority, has the power to regulate public assemblies, meetings, and processions, including prescribing routes and times for such events. The decision to prohibit the durbar procession was made in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the emirate council, and aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property while maintaining peace in Kano State.

#

Addressing allegations from certain civil society groups, Barr. Hussaini dismissed them as baseless, arguing that it would be illogical to accuse the government of defying its own directive, which was issued in the interest of public welfare. He further revealed that the police have launched investigations into the breach of the emir’s procession on Sallah day.

The Special Adviser reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the security and welfare of its citizens, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the government, police, and emirate council in making decisions that safeguard the community.

This development highlights the delicate balance between cultural traditions and public safety in Kano State, as authorities navigate the complexities of maintaining order during festive celebrations.

Continue Reading

News

Edo Murder Of Hausa’s, Dickson says ethnic profiling could lead to Rwanda-like crisis

Published

on

Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, has condemned the murder of 16 Kano-bound travellers in Edo state.

Describing the incident as “deeply painful”, the former Bayelsa governor warned that those who engage in ethnic profiling are risking a Rwanda-like tragedy in Nigeria.

The travellers were attacked and lynched after members of a vigilance group in Uromi suspected that they were kidnappers.

There should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks,” Dickson wrote on Facebook.

That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.

“Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preach against. We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are.

In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.

“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”

Commending the “proactive steps taken” by Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor, Dickson called on the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

He also demanded compensation for families of the victims.

#
Continue Reading

Trending