In a major boost to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Baladna, Qatar’s largest dairy producer, is set to develop a large-scale dairy and food processing facility in Ogun State. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic dairy production, reduce reliance on dairy imports, and enhance food system resilience.

The announcement was made during an official visit by Baladna’s executive team to the state capital, Abeokuta. The delegation was accompanied by Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and received by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Building Nigeria’s Dairy Self-Sufficiency

Governor Abiodun described the development as a game-changing investment that aligns with Ogun State’s goal to become Nigeria’s premier agro-industrial hub. He emphasized the state’s favorable investment climate, proximity to major consumer markets, and commitment to facilitating investor success.

“Baladna’s proposed facility is a step toward dairy self-sufficiency and will create thousands of jobs while boosting productivity and strengthening Ogun’s economy,” said Governor Abiodun. “This investment reflects our broader strategy of making Ogun a center of agricultural innovation and job creation.”

The Governor also noted that as global food supply chains face mounting pressures, this kind of public-private collaboration is essential to ensuring food security, reducing import dependency, and achieving the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Integrated Dairy Model and Local Impact

Baladna, which operates the world’s largest integrated dairy farm and produces over 1.7 billion liters of milk annually, intends to replicate its successful model in Nigeria. The company plans to invest in land development, feasibility studies, and infrastructure for local milk sourcing, processing, and packaging.

The new facility is expected to:

• Support local milk production across value chains
• Introduce modern dairy technology and animal nutrition practices
• Reduce Nigeria’s $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill
• Empower rural communities through job creation and skill development

Federal Support and Investment Confidence

Aisha Rimi of the NIPC lauded the move as a “significant milestone” for Nigeria’s investment ecosystem, particularly in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors.

“Baladna’s entry into Nigeria reflects increasing global confidence in our economy,” she said. “This partnership exemplifies how strategic foreign direct investment can help modernize local industries and create inclusive growth.”

Ogun’s Growing Investment Landscape

This investment adds to the wave of industrial momentum in Ogun State. Recent developments include:

• A $50 million investment by Mamuda Beverages in food and agro-processing
• A partnership with Ambar Energia to power industrial clusters across Ijebu-Ode, Atan-Agbara, and Abeokuta
• A $400 million steel manufacturing project by Inner Galaxy Group, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s $4 billion steel import bill and creating over 3,500 jobs

Conclusion

Baladna’s commitment signals a transformative chapter for Nigeria’s dairy sector. With a focus on local production, veterinary support, technology transfer, and youth employment, this project is expected to be a model for high-impact agribusiness investments across Africa.