FG Seeks Emir’s Backing as Lafiagi Sugar Project Nears Completion

|By Babatunji Wusu

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to fast-track the completion and operations of the Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO), urging sustained support from the Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu, and the host community.

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace, commending Lafiagi for maintaining a peaceful environment that has allowed the sugar project to progress with minimal community-related challenges.

Enoh described LASUCO as one of the most stable sugar projects in the country, attributing its relative success to the cooperation and understanding of the host community. He said the calm atmosphere reflects the people’s appreciation of the long-term economic and social gains that accompany large-scale agro-industrial investments.

The minister stressed that strong collaboration between government, traditional institutions and host communities remains critical to the success and sustainability of major industrial projects. He praised the Emir and the people of Lafiagi for their constructive engagement, describing them as model partners in national development.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Enoh said direct engagement with traditional rulers is a key part of government’s project oversight, particularly for initiatives deeply rooted in local communities. He added that the sugar project’s success would translate into direct benefits for Lafiagi, including jobs, economic growth and shared prosperity.

The minister noted that the visit also formed part of the Federal Government’s broader drive to move beyond policy formulation in Abuja and conduct on-the-ground assessments of critical projects. He expressed confidence that the inspection would accelerate progress and bring LASUCO closer to full operation.