News in brief:
– Nestlé Nigeria has invested ₦1.8 billion to enhance local dairy production, increasing milk supply and farmer incomes.
– The initiative supports 3,000 milk producers through improved infrastructure, training, and sustainable farming practices.
Nestlé Nigeria has invested ₦1.8 billion in boosting dairy production and training herders, with strong backing from the Federal Government. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for investors at the launch of a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, Abuja.
“The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development,” Maiha stated.
Milk production sees significant growth
Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, highlighted the impressive strides in local dairy production. He noted that daily milk collection surged from 200 litres in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, surpassing 1 million litres of raw milk to date.
“Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore grazing reserve,” Elhusseini said.
He further revealed that participating milk producers have seen their household income rise significantly from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024. The increase is credited to improved dairy farming practices and better infrastructure.
A model for sustainable dairy farming
The programme’s impact extends to approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives under the Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP). The initiative aims to enhance milk quality and increase supply while promoting sustainable dairy farming.
The Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations emphasised the long-term vision for the Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm, calling it a ‘catalyst for positive change’ in the industry.
“We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community,” he said.
