Qatari dairy giant Baladna is set to establish a multi-million-dollar food production facility in Ogun State, Nigeria, in a move expected to boost local dairy production and food security significantly.

Baladna, which supplies over 95% of Qatar’s fresh dairy products, disclosed its plans during a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta. The delegation was led by Baladna’s Head of Products and Solutions Architecture, Mr. Aidan Thomas Iynan, and accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi.

Mr. Iynan revealed that Baladna’s integrated dairy model, backed by Qatari government investment, now operates the world’s largest single-site dairy farm. He expressed confidence that Nigeria—and Ogun State in particular—could replicate similar success, citing a partnership with Algeria that is expected to deliver 1.7 billion litres of milk annually, meeting 50% of Algerian dairy demand.

He highlighted the impact of climate change on global agriculture, stressing the urgency for Nigeria to attain dairy self-sufficiency.

“We can build farms that are highly efficient with world-class yields—not just in dairy and meat, but crop production too,” Iynan said.

The visit also aimed to discuss land acquisition and kickstart feasibility studies with the Ogun State government.

NIPC boss Aisha Rimi noted that despite Nigeria’s large cattle population, the country only meets about half of its dairy needs, importing between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion worth of dairy products annually. She highlighted ongoing national reforms, including the National Dairy Policy, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, and the expansion of the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

Governor Abiodun welcomed the investment, describing Baladna as the type of partner needed to realise the Renewed Hope Agenda in agriculture.

“If you could meet 35% of Qatar’s milk demand in one month and achieve self-sufficiency in six, I have no doubt you can do the same in Nigeria. Your operations here will be a walk in the park—no deserts,” he remarked.

The governor assured the investors of seamless cooperation and support, stressing the potential benefits in job creation, GDP growth, and agricultural development.

Baladna’s potential entry into the Nigerian market is seen as a strategic step toward reducing dairy imports, modernising livestock systems, and transforming rural economies through sustainable agribusiness.