By Anamati Inyang
December 21, 2025
The Federal Government has commended the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kawu, the people of the Lafiagi Emirate in Kwara State for maintaining peace, supporting the operations of the Lafiagi Sugar Company, describing the community’s cooperation as vital to the success of large-scale agro-industrial investments.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace in Lafiagi as part of an inspection tour of sugar estates across the country.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ifeoma Williams, made available on Sunday, Enoh noted that among sugar projects nationwide, the Lafiagi Sugar Company records minimal community-related disputes. He attributed this to the host community’s understanding of the project’s long-term socio-economic benefits.
The minister paid homage to the Emir before inspecting the expansive sugar estate, owned by BUA Group, marking the commencement of a series of nationwide visits by the Federal Government aimed at strengthening, supporting the sugar industry.
Enoh stressed the importance of traditional institutions and host communities in sustaining large-scale investments, particularly within the agro-industrial sector, praised the Lafiagi Emirate for its cooperation and support.
Explaining the significance of the palace visit, the minister said engagement with traditional institutions remains central to governance and development efforts.
“When we were planning this visit, I was asked at what point I wanted to pay this courtesy call. I said as a politician, when we go on campaigns, our first port of call is the traditional institution,” he said.
“This is even more important when I am visiting a farm that is owned by the community. It was important to come and let you know that I am in your community,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The minister further highlighted the exceptional level of cooperation enjoyed by the Lafiagi Sugar Company, compared to similar projects elsewhere in the country.
“We have various sugar plantations across the country, however, this is one place I have continued to hear positive reports about support from the community to the project,” he said.
“Every support you give is support to your own community. If the plantation succeeds, the first beneficiaries will be the people of Lafiagi.”
According to the statement, Enoh explained that the visit was also aimed at bridging the gap between policy formulation in Abuja and realities on the ground, noting that direct engagement with project sites is essential for informed decision-making.
“I have spent about a year discussing sugar policy, meeting with the Executive Secretary of the NSDC and the management of various sugar companies. It was important to step out of Abuja to see things for myself. My hope is that, at the end of this visit, meaningful milestones will be achieved,” he added.
The Lafiagi Sugar Company is a key project under the Federal Government-backed Nigeria Sugar Master Plan, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar production, reduce import dependence, create jobs through large-scale backward integration.
The master plan promotes private sector investment in sugar estates and refineries while encouraging collaboration with host communities to ensure sustainability and minimize conflicts.
