By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has stated categorically that Nigeria does not import sugar from Ukraine even as he said Trade Department in the ministry is looking at the fallout of Russia and Ukraine war as it affects Nigeria.
Otunba Adebayo who featured at the Special Weekly Briefing coordinated by the Presidential Communications Team on Thursday at the Press Gallery of State House, Abuja, said it is not true that Nigeria buys sugar from Ukraine.
He pointed out that the Presidential Sugar Backward Integration Programme (BIP) and other key reforms being undertaken by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment under Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) has ensured that Nigeria will soon be self sufficient in sugar.
The minister however said that Trade Department in his ministry is looking at the fallout of Russia and Ukraine war as it affects Nigeria, stating that “as soon as the report is ready he will present it to President Buhari to take a decision”.
In another development, the minister has disclosed that new sea ports will soon come on stream in Nigeria, saying that new Lekki Seaport is to become operational in 2022.
He also said that another new port in Badagry, all Lagos state will soon become operational.
On Calabar sea port Otunba Adebayo revealed that it has problem of dredging issue just as he said that the federal government has procured Equipment to make the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to operate 24 hours and seven days a week.
