News in Brief:
– Nigeria is establishing a Dairy Training Institute to address skill gaps and infrastructure issues while promoting collaboration with industry leaders like NESTLÉ to boost local milk production.
– The initiative aims to improve dairy farming practices, combat adulteration, and reduce reliance on imports, enhancing the sector’s sustainability.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has unveiled plans for a new Dairy Training Institute to strengthen the nation’s dairy sector.
Livestock Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha announced the initiative during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, highlighting the critical need for enhanced technical expertise within the industry.
Addressing skill gaps in dairy farming
Maiha stressed that the institute will provide essential training to aspiring and current dairy farmers, addressing existing knowledge gaps.
The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including pasture cultivation, feed management, animal husbandry, health management, breeding, milk collection, preservation, and transportation. He stated that empowering those at the core of the dairy sector is crucial for its sustainable growth.
Subsequently, the Minister recognised and commended NESTLÉ Nigeria for its ongoing efforts in developing the local dairy industry, particularly their focus on promoting indigenous cattle breeds.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of combating milk adulteration, outlining government plans to revitalise grazing reserves and regulate cattle movement. To him, establishing proper grazing reserves, organised collection systems, and stringent regulations against adulteration are vital for a thriving commercial dairy sector.
NESTLÉ’s contribution to local milk production
Victoria Ndee Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at NESTLÉ Nigeria, reported that the company has aggregated over 1.65 million liters of milk between 2021 and 2024.
It operates a modern dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore grazing reserve, Gwagwalada Area Council, commissioned by the Minister on February 6, 2025, further showcasing their commitment to enhancing local dairy production.
Nigeria has a large cattle population, indicating a potential for substantial dairy production, although the sector is largely dominated by pastoralists (Fulani herdsmen) who practice traditional methods, resulting in low milk yields.
However, a smaller portion of production comes from commercial dairy farms utilising more modern techniques, like the company (Nestle) mentioned above.
Inadequate infrastructure, particularly the lack of cold chain facilities, hinders efficient milk preservation. The quality of indigenous cattle breeds, often yielding less milk than exotic breeds, presents another challenge.
Limited access to quality feed and fodder also impacts production. The issue of milk adulteration undermines consumer trust and market stability. Nigeria’s heavy reliance on dairy imports places a strain on the economy, and conflicts over grazing lands between farmers and herders create instability.
Finally, a significant skill gap in modern dairy farming practices hampers advancement.
Nigeria’s dairy sector is engaged in a critical transition, striving to modernise its practices and infrastructure to meet the nation’s increasing dairy demands.
