National Sugar Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2022 & HB. 2030)

What Is This Policy?

The National Sugar Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to redefine the functions and powers of the NSDC to address modern challenges in the sugar sector. It mandates that all NSDC revenues be paid into the Federation Account in accordance with the 1999 Constitution and aims to improve transparency and accountability in financial operations. Additionally, it strengthens the Council's capacity to reform the sector and reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported sugar.

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and its Governing Board Sugar producers, refiners, importers, and marketers (including Dangote Sugar Refinery, BUA Sugar, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and Golden Sugar Company) Federal Ministries of Industry Trade and Investment; Finance; Agriculture and Food Security; and Health Regulatory agencies: NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Sugar Road Map Implementation Committee Domestic and international investors in Nigeria's sugar and agro-industrial sectors

Who Does It Target?

Sugar manufacturers, millers, and processors in Nigeria. Sugar cane farmers and smallholder growers. The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Importers of sugar and related products.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Redefine and clarify the functions and powers of the NSDC to reflect contemporary realities in the sugar sector Mandate that all revenues received by the NSDC be paid into the Federation Account, in line with Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Enhance transparency and accountability in the Council's financial management and revenue operations Strengthen the NSDC's institutional capacity to drive sugar sector reform and reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported sugar Align the NSDC's legislative framework with the Renewed Hope Agenda's emphasis on revitalisation, good governance, and fiscal transparency Support the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) goal of at least 70% domestic self-sufficiency in sugar production

Key Features

Redefined NSDC Functions: The Bill updates the scope of the Council's regulatory and advisory mandate over the full sugar value chain production, importation, marketing, and standards enforcement. Federation Account Compliance: All funds received by the NSDC must be remitted to the Federation Account, in direct compliance with Section 162 of the Constitution, closing a longstanding fiscal governance gap. Clarified Regulatory Powers: The amendment delineates the NSDC's powers to avoid overlap with other agencies such as NAFDAC, whose mandate covers food safety regulation in the same sector. Aligned with Sugar Master Plan: The reformed legal framework reinforces the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) approved September 2012 as the sector's strategic roadmap for self-sufficiency and export development. Inclusive Stakeholder Process: The amendment process included a public hearing with private sector players, government ministries, regulators, and civil society, ensuring a broad consultative base.

Current Status

The bill is under consideration by the National Assembly, as indicated by its reference as HB. 2022 and HB. 2030.

Legal Framework

The National Sugar Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill operates under the National Sugar Development Council Act, the Sugar Industry Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Second Schedule — Federation Account). It aligns with the National Commodity Development Framework, the Sugar Master Plan, and the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, which governs how sector councils operate and remit revenues.