The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority NSIA in collaboration with UK based company, Asset Green Ltd, is advancing a major dairy development project expected to deliver about 620 million dollars in annual revenue while creating 2,500 direct jobs and an additional 5,000 indirect employment opportunities nationwide.
The large-scale investment, valued at roughly 496 million dollars, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s food security, expand domestic dairy output, and reduce reliance on imports. It is also projected to stimulate economic activity across rural communities through job creation and supply chain expansion.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed in London sets the framework for the initiative, which has been described as one of the most significant privately driven agricultural projects in the country. The plan focuses on building a modern and competitive dairy industry supported by advanced infrastructure and improved farming systems.
Central to the project is the development of a 10,000 cow dairy farm supported by about 20,000 hectares of land dedicated to climate conscious crop and forage cultivation. The investment will also include a technologically advanced processing facility expected to produce fresh milk, butter, cream, and milk powder, with an annual output target of 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula.
The programme is structured to include local participation, with about 10,000 rural households expected to be integrated into the supply chain throughout grower arrangements. This approach is intended to improve agricultural practices at the grassroots level while raising nutritional standards in participating communities.
According to the United Kingdom High Commission in Abuja, the initiative reflects ongoing economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in supporting sustainable and private sector led growth. British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter noted that earlier UK support in establishing the NSIA helped build a strong institution capable of delivering long term development outcomes.
NSIA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Aminu Umar Sadiq described the investment as a turning point for Nigeria’s food system, noting that it combines modern processing capacity with inclusive agricultural participation to build a resilient dairy sector.
Rod Bassett, Director at Asset Green Ltd and Chief Executive Officer of Agrium Capital Ltd, said the project is aimed at unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector through improved infrastructure and innovation. He added that the initiative will not only boost local production but also contribute to environmental sustainability and national food independence.
