By Boluwatife Adedokun
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has entered into a partnership with UK-based Asset Green Limited to develop a $496 million integrated dairy production and processing facility in Nigeria.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in London, is aimed at strengthening the country’s food security, modernising agricultural practices and reducing reliance on imported dairy products.
According to a statement issued by the United Kingdom High Commission in Abuja, the project is expected to significantly transform Nigeria’s dairy sector through large-scale investment in production and processing infrastructure.
The initiative is projected to generate about $620 million in annual revenue, while creating approximately 2,500 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities across the country.
Speaking on the development, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the partnership reflects long-standing economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He noted that the UK had previously supported the establishment of the NSIA through legal and financial expertise, contributing to its institutional credibility and capacity to drive development.
“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership demonstrates the long-term impact of that support, highlighting the role of strong institutions in delivering sustainable, private sector-led growth,” Baxter said.
The project will involve the development of 20,000 hectares of land dedicated to climate-smart and regenerative agriculture to support a 10,000-cow dairy farm.
It will also include a modern processing facility designed to produce fresh milk, butter, cream and milk powder, with an estimated annual output of 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula.
In addition, the initiative aims to integrate about 10,000 rural households into the dairy value chain through out-grower schemes, a move expected to enhance local farming practices and improve nutrition standards in participating communities.
The Managing Director of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, described the investment as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
“With a project size of nearly $500 million, this represents one of the most ambitious efforts in recent times to enhance Nigeria’s food and nutrition security,” he said.
Umar-Sadiq added that the combination of advanced processing infrastructure and inclusive farming models would help build a competitive dairy industry and reduce import dependence.
Also commenting, Director of Asset Green Limited and Chief Executive Officer of Agrium Capital Limited, Rod Bassett, said the project is designed to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He explained that the investment would support the development of modern infrastructure across the dairy value chain, while promoting environmental sustainability and improving national food sovereignty.
The partnership is expected to play a key role in expanding domestic dairy production and positioning Nigeria for long-term growth in the agricultural sector.
