The House of Representatives Committee on Industry, will on Thursday, May 22, 2025, convene a one-day public hearing on a proposed amendment to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Act, Cap. N78, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

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),” seeks to redefine the functions and powers of the Council and mandate that all monies received by the Council be paid into the Federation Account, in line with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

According to a statement issued on Saturday by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas is the chief host of the event.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Enitan Badru, stated, “This public hearing underscores the House of Representatives’ dedication to ensuring that sectoral reforms are guided by accountability, stakeholders’ 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.”

*Stakeholders invited to the public hearing include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Others include the National Sugar Development Council, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

Also invited are the Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC, BUA Sugar Refinery LTD, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, Golden Sugar Company LTD, members of the Sugar Road Map Implementation Committee and other stakeholders in the sugar sub-sector

The statement urged stakeholders and members of the public to attend the session and submit their memoranda for deliberations.