NSIA, UK’s Asset Green ink $496m deal to revolutionise Nigeria’s dairy sector

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has partnered with UK-based Asset Green Ltd to launch a landmark $496 million integrated dairy production and processing platform. The initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in London, aims to drastically reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on dairy imports and bolster national food sovereignty.

Described by the British High Commission as one of the most ambitious agricultural investments in Nigeria’s history, the project is designed to establish a self-sustaining value chain. The platform is projected to generate over $620 million in annual revenue once fully operational, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the regional dairy market.

Large-scale infrastructure and climate-Smart production

The project will be anchored by 20,000 hectares of climate-smart, regenerative crop and forage production, ensuring a sustainable feed supply for a modern dairy farm housing 10,000 milking cows. This integrated approach combines advanced environmental stewardship with high-output industrial farming.

Read also:NSIA, UK firm seal $496m dairy farming deal

Central to the investment is a state-of-the-art processing facility capable of producing a comprehensive suite of dairy products. Beyond fresh milk, butter, and cream, the plant is slated to produce milk powders and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually—a critical step in addressing domestic nutritional needs with locally sourced products.

Socio-economic impact and rural integration

Beyond its industrial scale, the initiative is expected to serve as a significant engine for job creation and rural development. Projections indicate the creation of approximately 2,500 direct jobs and a further 5,000 indirect roles across the country.

A key component of the strategy is the inclusion of 10,000 rural households through structured out-grower schemes. By integrating smallholder farmers into the formal value chain, the project aims to enhance rural livelihoods and ensure that the benefits of agricultural industrialisation are distributed across a broad demographic.

Strengthening bilateral ties and economic resilience

British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, characterised the partnership as a “full-circle moment” in UK-Nigeria relations, noting the UK’s foundational role in supporting the NSIA’s establishment over a decade ago. This collaboration reflects a shift from institutional support to tangible, high-value investment.

Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director and CEO of the NSIA, underscored that the investment is central to Nigeria’s broader goal of food and nutrition security. By combining advanced processing capacity with inclusive participation, the NSIA seeks to build a resilient food system that reduces the nation’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange volatility.