Mokwa, Niger State — Residents of Kusogi Gbayita, a rural farming community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, have raised concerns over what they describe as increasing hardship linked to operations of the Sunti Golden Sugar Estate.
Community members allege that access to farmlands they traditionally cultivated has become restricted, with an annual levy of ₦30,000 reportedly imposed as a condition for continued use. According to residents, the payment has placed significant strain on households, many of whom depend on subsistence farming for survival.
Locals say the situation marks a sharp shift from years past, when farming, fishing, and communal harvests defined daily life in the area. They describe a growing atmosphere of uncertainty, as families struggle to maintain access to land and sustain livelihoods.
Some residents trace the turning point in relations to changes in the management structure of the estate, operated by Flour Mills of Nigeria. They referenced the appointment of a South African national, identified as Anlo du Pisani, to a senior leadership role within the company’s plantation operations. However, no official link has been established between management changes and the alleged policies.
As of the time of reporting, the company has not publicly responded to the allegations, and there has been no official confirmation of the claimed levy or land-use restrictions.
Observers note that disputes between host communities and large-scale agricultural projects are not uncommon, often involving disagreements over land rights, compensation, and access arrangements.
Stakeholders are calling for clarification from both the company and relevant authorities, as well as an independent assessment of the situation to determine the facts and ensure that the rights and livelihoods of affected residents are protected.
This is a developing story.
