BUA Foods nears completion of Nigeria’s largest integrated sugar facility in Kwara State
The Lafiagi project aims to boost domestic sugar production, generate power and ethanol, and support Nigeria’s backward integration policy.
NIGERIA – BUA Foods Plc is nearing completion of what is expected to become Nigeria’s largest integrated sugar production facility, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to deepen local manufacturing and reduce dependence on sugar imports.
The project, located in Lafiagi, Kwara State, is approximately 80 per cent complete, according to company officials. Developed through Lafiagi Sugar Company Limited (LASUCO), the complex is designed as a fully integrated operation covering sugarcane cultivation, milling, refining and by-product processing.
Kabiru Rabiu, group executive director of BUA Group, said the facility would be the largest of its kind in Nigeria once completed. Speaking during an inspection tour by senior government officials, Rabiu stated that the plant will have a sugarcane crushing capacity of 10,000 tonnes per day.
He added that the complex will generate 35 megawatts of electricity from bagasse and produce 20 million litres of industrial ethanol annually.
Rabiu acknowledged that the project had faced delays but said construction activities have gained momentum. He noted that development of the sugarcane plantation and supporting infrastructure is progressing alongside the industrial components of the project.
LASUCO is being developed on approximately 20,000 hectares of land and includes extensive supporting infrastructure.
In addition to sugar milling and refining facilities, the project incorporates an ethanol plant, irrigation systems, a dedicated power station and an airstrip. Housing, healthcare and educational facilities are also being constructed to serve workers and surrounding communities.
John Owan Enoh, minister of state for industry highlighted the scale of infrastructure already in place at the site. He referenced road networks, landing facilities and worker accommodation as indicators of readiness for full-scale operations, adding that continued progress toward completion remains critical.
The minister described LASUCO as a landmark investment within Nigeria’s sugar sector, noting its status as the largest greenfield sugar project undertaken by a major industry player. He emphasized the importance of completing the facility to support national industrial and agricultural objectives.
Once operational, the Lafiagi facility is expected to produce about 220,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar annually. The project’s power generation and ethanol output are also expected to support adjacent industries and contribute to energy and industrial inputs.
The development is central to Nigeria’s strategy to conserve foreign exchange, stabilise sugar supply and create employment across the agricultural and industrial value chain.
BUA Foods has indicated that construction will continue at an accelerated pace as it works toward completing the facility, reinforcing its long-term commitment to domestic sugar production and large-scale manufacturing in Nigeria.
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