By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Minister of State for Industry, Sen John Owan Enoh on January 14, 2025, visited the Savé Sugar Company in the Benin Republic, highlighting the urgent need for revitalization of the facility, which has been in decline for years.
Precise Post recalls that established in 1975, Savé Sugar Company is a joint venture between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. The company has faced a series of challenges, and its condition worsened following the exit of its last operators, Compliant of China, in May 2023 after a 20-year lease agreement expired.

During the visit, Sen Enoh expressed gratitude to the Government of Benin for its security efforts surrounding the plant. The Minister also met with Benin’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, to thank her for the added security measures.
Despite a promising start, the company’s fortunes have fluctuated over the years. A joint assessment in 2021 revealed severe deterioration and recommended that Nigeria sell its stake in the company. However, the Nigerian government, under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari, declined this suggestion and instead opted to seek a new core investor after the Chinese lease ended.

The current state of the Savé Sugar Company, described as almost decrepit, has raised concerns. The Nigerian Minister emphasized that this is no longer a matter of sugar production alone but one of livelihoods, partnerships, and the broader shared future between the two nations.
The Minister further stated that while numerous meetings at technical and policy levels have been held, real, decisive action is urgently needed to secure a new investor or explore other alternatives, including the possible sale of Nigeria’s equity in the company as suggested in the 2021 report.

“This visit is an eye-opener, and more than anything else, we seek its revival,” the Minister said. “Both nations must act swiftly to attract a competent investor or consider other options. Action starts today.”
The future of the Savé Sugar Company hinges on immediate and concerted efforts from both governments to secure its revitalization and ensure its contribution to the economies of Nigeria and the Benin Republic.