Ogun Secures $250m Dairy Farm Investment to Boost Local Milk Production

News in Brief:

— Ogun State has secured a $250 million investment from Pure Dairy Herd to establish a dairy farm in Yewa South with an initial capacity of about 10,000 dairy cows.

— The project is expected to boost domestic milk production, create jobs, stimulate rural economic activity and strengthen Nigeria's dairy value chain.

The Ogun State Government has secured a $250 million investment from Pure Dairy Herd to establish a large-scale dairy farm in Itoro, Yewa South Local Government Area. This move is expected to expand domestic milk production and strengthen Nigeria's livestock industry.

The project could become the country's largest dairy farm upon completion. It will begin operations with an initial capacity of about 10,000 dairy cows and is projected to generate employment, stimulate rural economic activity and support the development of the national dairy value chain.

Project to Boost Dairy Production

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, announced the investment during a community engagement meeting between the investors and residents of Itoro at the palace of the Onitoro of Itoro, Oba Nathaniel Fasina.

According to Owotomo, the project reinforces Ogun State's position as one of Nigeria's leading destinations for agricultural investment and reflects the state's commitment to developing a competitive livestock sector.

He said the dairy farm would contribute significantly to increasing domestic milk production while supporting broader efforts to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported dairy products.

Investment Supports Agricultural Growth

Owotomo attributed the investment to the investor-friendly policies and business environment established by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun.

He noted that the state continues to attract major agricultural investments, including the proposed revitalisation of the Apoje Plantation in Ijebu-Igbo and other projects in Obafemi Owode, Ikenne and Kajola in Ewekoro Local Government Area.

The commissioner added that the investors have committed to carrying out palliative repairs on roads leading to the project site to improve accessibility and facilitate the commencement of construction and operations.

Government Assures Community on Compensation

Addressing concerns from members of the host community, Owotomo assured affected landowners that compensation would be paid in accordance with existing laws and established procedures.

He explained that compensation would reflect the nature of affected properties, with separate considerations for undeveloped land and land containing economic trees and other cash crops.

The commissioner also said the state government is taking legal steps to resolve pending land-related court cases to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

According to him, the investment is expected to deliver long-term benefits to the community through employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, increased commercial activities and higher household incomes.

Community Welcomes Investment

The Onitoro of Itoro, Oba Nathaniel Fasina, commended the state government for attracting the investment and appealed for the host community to benefit directly through employment and community development initiatives.

He pledged the support of the people of Itoro for the successful execution of the project, expressing confidence that it would accelerate local economic development and improve residents' livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of Pure Dairy Herd, the company's Head of Liaison, Alhaji Jamiu Adeleke, said the investment is intended to transform Itoro into a major dairy production hub.

He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government's industrialisation strategy, which promotes value addition and large-scale industrial investments as key drivers of economic diversification.