By Bassey Udo
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK‑based Asset Green Ltd to develop a $496 million large‑scale integrated dairy livestock production and processing platform in Nigeria.
The NSIA is Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund, established under the NSIA Act (2011) to manage and invest savings from surplus oil revenues on behalf of the Federation. NSIA focuses on infrastructure, stabilisation, and long‑term savings to deliver sustainable economic impact, while Asset Green Ltd. is a UK‑based strategic private investment group, focused on large‑scale, commercially
viable agricultural and food‑processing platforms across emerging markets via their agri-food investment platform Agrium Capital Ltd.
The deal is part of Nigeria’s efforts toward transforming the country’s integrated dairy industry, strengthening national food security, and expanding commercial agriculture at scale.
The deal, which came in the wake of President Bola To Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK, outlines the framework for collaboration and the project‑development cost commitments leading up to the formal shareholders’ agreement.
A UK government statement said the initiative represents one of the most ambitious integrated dairy investments ever undertaken in Nigeria.
Apart from combining 20,000 hectares of climate‑smart, regenerative crop and forage production with a modern 10,000‑milking cow dairy operation, the project would be supported by a state‑of‑the‑art processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, milk powders, butter, cream, and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually.
Designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported milk powder, the statement said the project would modernise agricultural practices, improve nutrition, and integrate up to 10,000 rural households into the supply chain through inclusive out‑grower schemes.
Once operational, the platform is expected to generate over $620 million annually and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs nationwide.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said at the agreement signing ceremony: “Over a decade ago, the UK provided pivotal support to Nigeria in establishing the NSIA, offering legal and financial expertise that helped lay the foundation for its successful launch and strengthening its governance and credibility. “That early institutional investment has paid dividends, helping to build a resilient Nigerian institution capable of creating jobs and driving transformational, long‑term development.
“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership is a powerful example of how that groundwork continues to deliver impact – a full‑circle moment that reflects the long-term economic cooperation between the UK and Nigeria and the shared commitment to deepening sustainable, private‑sector‑driven growth.”
Managing Director/CEO of NSIA, Aminu Umar‑Sadiq, said: “NSIA is pleased to partner with Asset Green on this transformative investment. With a project size of almost US$500 million, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition security in a generation. By combining climate‑smart farming, advanced processing capacity, and inclusive out‑grower participation, we are laying the foundation for a modern, competitive dairy sector that reduces import dependence, creates meaningful jobs, and delivers long‑term value for Nigerians.”
Asset Green Ltd Director & Agrium Capital Ltd CEO, Rod Bassett, said: “This partnership between NSIA and Asset Green is the business and investment innovation required to unlock the potential of the agriculture sector in Nigeria, with the development of such a future (dairy) food system. The foundation of the approach is one of collaborating with NSIA and their shared vision and purpose to establish a platform to catalyse the development of such a national strategic priority. We are incredibly proud to partner with Nigeria’s premier investment institution.
“The development of greenfield projects have consistently played a major role in our history, establishing industries or nurturing young businesses that are able to deliver catalytic transformation.
“This $500 million greenfield investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry allows for the development of advanced and necessary infrastructure spanning the full production and supply system to enhance local production, reduce the reliance on the huge imports of dairy goods into Nigeria, deliver environmental services and strengthen national food sovereignty and nutritional resilience.”
The partnership with NSIA draws on years of UK-Nigeria cooperation, including earlier technical support that helped strengthen NSIA during its formative years, and reflects the continued growth of commercial ties between both our countries. Through a DFID‑funded programme (Policy Development Facility), the UK provided technical assistance that supported the establishment and operational launch of NSIA in 2011. This included long‑term financial and legal advisory support to the Federal Ministry of Finance during the Authority’s formative phase.
Asset Green Ltd Director & Agrium Capital Ltd CEO, Rod Bassett; Group CIO, United Green Group, Albrecht Frischenschlager; UK trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi; Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Omoniyi Oduwole MFR, MD and CEO NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq; British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and and Vice President Head Climate & Sustainability investments, Tayo Ajayi.. at the signing ceremony, in London
