NSDC MANAGEMENT VISITS DOGAN’S SUGAR COMPANY

Some members of the Management team of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), led by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Latif Busari, as parts of the Council’s regulatory responsibilities, have visited the Corporate Headquarters/Factory of Dogan’s Sugar Company, in Lagos state.

The Council team which comprised of the Director; Planning, Policy, Research and Statistics, Mr. Hezekiah Kolawole, Director; Finance and Account; Malam Auwalu Abubakar, Deputy Director; Technical Service; Malam Salihu Bkeke, Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary; Mr. Chris Mbamalu and the Senior Information Officer; Mr. Abdullahi W. Yunusa was received by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Okan Ozkan.

Dr. Busari who expressed satisfaction with the company’s operational facilities as well as its strict adherence to approved sectorial guidelines by the Federal government, said the reforms introduced by government in the sugar sector are beginning to yield positive results.

While welcoming the team, Dogan’s Sugar boss, Mr. Okan Ozkan who thanked the NSDC for the visit, said, though the company is faced with a number of operational challenges, but has continued to muster all the needed energy and determination to remain in business, adding that the nation’s sugar sector is showing signs of growth.

Given its area of specialization, production of packaged sugar, Mr. Ozkan also expressed worry that despite the ban placed on the St’ Louis brand of packaged sugar, the products are still seen in major shops and retail outlets in the country, stressing that such development isn’t healthy for local producers of same commodity.

“Sir, I understand government has since banned this product. But we continue to see them in the market. I doubt if some Nigerians are aware that St Louis packaged sugar is a contraband product”.

Another issue of concern highlighted by Mr. Ozkan is huge variation in prices of packaged sugar by local producers of the commodity. He wants the Sugar Council to look into the issue, stressing that the development is capable of chasing companies like his own out of business.

While assuring Mr. Ozkan of Council’s prompt disposition to address all industry challenges dispassionately, Dr. Busari promised to look into the issues raised by the company. He assured all investors of equal support and cooperation, adding that persuasion remains the best solution to solving challenges posed by price variations.

“We are not unaware of some of these challenges you have identified. The Sugar Council, in line with her mandate is on top of the situation. We shall continue to introduce measures that would bring about a more business-friendly environment for investors in the sector. These challenges are not beyond our control”.

 

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