The Federal Government has commended the Lafiagi Emirate and its people for maintaining peace and supporting the growth of the Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO).
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the 14th Emir of Lafiagi, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu, at his palace.
Senator Enoh noted that LASUCO stands out among sugar projects nationwide due to the absence of major community crises, attributing the stability to the understanding of the people of Lafiagi on the economic and social benefits of hosting a large-scale agro-industrial project.
According to him, the peaceful environment has enabled the BUA-owned sugar estate to thrive, describing the project as a “humongous” investment with significant multiplier effects for the host community.
Senator Enoh emphasised the critical role of traditional institutions and host communities in sustaining large-scale agro-industrial investments, commending the Emir and residents for their consistent support of the LASUCO project.
“We have various sugar plantations across the country, but this is one place I have continued to hear very good commentaries about the support of the community to the project.
“I think every support you give, you are actually giving it to your own community. Because if the plantation works, the first group of people that will benefit are the Lafiagi people.
“I have spent about a year talking about sugar, having meetings with the Executive Secretary of NSDC, having meetings with even the management of the various sugar companies, it was important to step out of Abuja and to come to the farm and see things for myself, and my hope is that at the end of this visit, some milestones will be achieved,” the Minister said.
He noted that the visit to the palace was deliberate, stressing that engaging traditional institutions remains a priority, especially when inspecting community-based projects, as it underscores respect for host communities and strengthens collaboration for sustainable development.
The visits, he said, are part of the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to support the sugar industry and help it realise its full potential.
“When we were planning this visit, I was asked at what point I wanted to pay this courtesy call. I said as a politician, when we go on campaigns to wherever, our first port of call is the traditional institution. This is even more important when I am visiting a farm that is owned by the community. So, first things first, it was important to come and to let you know that I am in your community,” he said.