…Calls for immediate action
Joel Ajayi
January 14th, 2025, a day etched in the annals of Nigerian-Benin relations, Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Industry, Fed. Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment was in Cotonou to inspect the once-thriving sugar production facility.
Savé Sugar Company, a joint venture between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
On arrival in Cotonou,the Minister of State for Industry Sen. John Owan Enoh, paid a courtesy visit on his Benin Counterpart ,Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Minister of Commerce and Industry Benin Republic, to express appreciation for the extra security measures put in place by the government of Benin Republic to secure the Savé Sugar Company which was Established in 1975.
The meeting between both ministers, brief yet significant, resonated with shared concerns and aspirations of both countries. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman remarked:
“This visit marks a historic moment. Since the inception of the company, no Nigerian minister has visited the facility. Your bold step signifies a commitment not only to the sugar complex but also to the bilateral relations between our nations ” .
Thereafter, the Minister of State proceeded on an on-site inspection of the facility and observed that the company has experienced changing fortunes and now lies almost decrepit with the last managers, _Compliant of China_ ,having vacated in May 2023,at the expiration of a twenty year lease agreement.
Unfortunately,the deteriorating situation with the _Savé Sugar Company Ltd_ predates the exit of the Chinese. A joint assessment visitation in 2021 was quite damning and recommended that Nigeria sell its equity holding in the company. This was declined by the Buhari administration, which instead preferred that upon expiration of the lease agreement with COMPLIANT, the two governments competitively source for new core investors.
Senator John Enoh, flanked by members of his team, meticulously examined the infrastructure, assessing its potential for revival.
The Minister of State for Industry, after the inspection, remarked
” Various meetings at both technical and policy levels have continued to be held , but away from these,action is needed.Seeing is believing is a common popular saying. This visit is an eye opener, and more than anything else, we seek its revival. The two countries, as a matter of urgency, need to get a worthy core investor within the shortest possible time.
This is not just about sugar; it is about livelihoods, partnerships, and the shared future of our nations.However, where that is not feasible, the recommendation of the 2021 joint assessment report which submits to the selling of our equity in the company will be brought to the table for possible consideration. Action starts today.”
