Baladna, the largest Qatar-based dairy company, has announced plans to establish a large-scale dairy and food processing plant in Ogun State, a move aimed at improving local milk production and cutting back on the country’s dependence on dairy imports.
The plan was revealed during a visit by Baladna representatives to the Ogun State capital, Abeokuta. They were joined by Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), who led the delegation to meet with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Governor Abiodun expressed support for the project and described it as a welcome development for the state.
He noted that Ogun offers a favourable environment for business, with its strategic location close to Nigeria’s major markets.
He said the initiative is in line with the state’s push to expand its agro-industrial base and create more employment opportunities.
“We had the honour of hosting Baladna, a leading dairy company from Qatar, as they prepare to establish a major food and dairy processing centre in Ogun State,” the governor said.
“Their visit, accompanied by the head of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, reflects growing interest in our ongoing agricultural and industrial development efforts.”
He also pointed out that as the global food supply chain faces more pressure, Ogun State is working to become a hub for agricultural innovation and job creation.
He said this investment could help the state move closer to producing its own dairy needs, thereby reducing the volume of imported dairy products.
Governor Abiodun assured the visiting team that the state government would offer full cooperation throughout the project.
He reaffirmed his administration’s goal of maintaining a business environment that encourages private investment and limits administrative challenges.
According to him, the new facility could lead to increased productivity, thousands of new jobs, and stronger contributions to the state’s economy.
He added that this aligns with the federal government’s economic recovery goals.
Speaking during the visit, Aisha Rimi of the NIPC described the development as a positive sign for Nigeria’s investment climate.
She said the arrival of Baladna in the country marks a significant step in attracting high-value investment into the agricultural sector.
Rimi added that this project highlights the growing interest of global agribusiness companies in Nigeria and demonstrates the confidence international investors are beginning to show in the country’s economy.
