House of Reps Sets Date for Public Hearing on Sugar Council Act Amendment
By Exponent News, Akure, 21st May 2025
In a move to drive sectoral reform and transparency in Nigeria’s sugar industry, the House of Representatives has announced plans to hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Act.
The one-day session, scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, will take place at Committee Room 107, House of Representatives Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is being organized by the House Committee on Industry, with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, as Chief Host.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act… and for Related Matters (HB.2022 and HB.2030),” aims to redefine the Council’s functions and powers, particularly mandating that all funds received by the NSDC be paid into the Federation Account, in line with Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Chairman of the Committee on Industry, Rep. Enitan Dolapo Badru, emphasized the significance of the hearing in fostering inclusive governance. “This public hearing underscores the House of Representatives’ dedication to ensuring that sectoral reforms are guided by accountability, stakeholder input, and adherence to constitutional principles. We are determined to align our laws with contemporary realities, enhance transparency in revenue management, and empower the sugar sector to play a stronger role in Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.
A broad spectrum of stakeholders has been invited to participate, including:
1. Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI)
2. Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF)
3. Federal Ministry of Health (FMH)
4. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
5. National Sugar Development Council (NSDC)
6. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
7. Nigeria Customs Service
8. Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
9. Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
10. Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC
11. BUA Sugar Refinery LTD
12. Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC
13. Golden Sugar Company LTD
14. Members of the Sugar Road Map Implementation Committee (SURMIC)
15. Other key players in the sugar sub-sector
Members of the public and interested parties are encouraged to attend and submit memoranda. Written submissions should be addressed to the Chairman, House Committee on Industry, and delivered to Room 458, House of Representatives Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to legislative transparency and inclusive reform in Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Signed:
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
Spokesman, House of Representatives
