Nestlé Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development have partnered on the establishment of the Nestlé Dairy Technical Skills Program, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration to strengthen the dairy sector in Nigeria.
Managing Director, Nestlé, Wassim Elhusseini, made this known at a ceremony to mark this year’s World Milk Day, themed ‘Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy’, Monday in Abuja.
He said that the partnership is expected to boost milk production in Nigeria and catapult the dairy sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In 2019, Nestlé worked to enhance the dairy industry, establishing 83 cooperatives that benefit approximately 3,000 milk producers. The initiative has led to the aggregation of over 1 million litres of raw milk and the training of more than 2,000 dairy producers in best practices.
“Additionally, the company has vaccinated over 36,000 cattle and constructed 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to improve water access in farming communities. As a result of these efforts, milk quality has improved significantly, with rejection rates dropping from 12 per cent in 2021 to 5 per cent in 2024.”
Elhusseini said these efforts are aimed at boosting the livestock sector for greater performance and economic impact. He further said that Nestlé unveiled a Dairy Demonstration Farm in February 2025 to increase production per cow from an average of one litre per day to over 10 litres through the implementation of best dairy farming practices.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said that the federal government is working to close Nigeria’s milk production gap, which stood at 60 per cent, by reviewing the National Livestock Master Plan.
He said, “We have developed the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) after reviewing reports of committees and holding consultative sessions. The National Livestock Master Plan is being reviewed, and the Implementation Framework for the National Dairy Policy is being finalised.
“The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which was recently approved by the National Economic Council, is focusing on ten pillars, among which are livestock value chain development, feed and fodder development, animal health and zoonoses control, livestock extension, youth and women empowerment, access to finance and insurance, as well as water resources management, all of which are critical to milk production.”
According to Maiha, the Livestock Master Plan (LMP) being developed will be for a 15-year period, with 5-year investment plans. The LMP will align with NL-GAS, identify resource gaps, and proffer investment options.
In a keynote address, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, pointed out that World Milk Day draws attention for stakeholders to reflect on the nutritional importance of milk and the key role the dairy sector plays in economic development and sustainability, both in Nigeria and around the world.
He said, “The EU believes very much in the potential of this sector, which we have recently placed among the top priorities of our support to the development of the green and climate-smart economy in Nigeria.
“The dairy sector is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, a critical source of nutrition, and a vital component of resilient food systems.”
He noted that a strong local dairy system can help achieve improved nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations, rural development through job creation and capacity building, as well as climate-smart agriculture to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems.
“Globally, and in Nigeria, milk provides essential nutrients to children and adults alike, while creating jobs for farmers, transporters, processors, retailers, and many others along the value chain. However, Nigeria’s dairy production remains very weak.
“The sector can only supply around 40% of the country’s demand for dairy. EU companies are key players in this sector.
“Overall, despite growing demand, local milk production meets less than 10% of national consumption. Milk production is done by smallholder dairy farmers who have limited access to infrastructure, reliable and quality forage, milk collection and storage centres, which leads to very low productivity and poor-quality milk yields.
“This gap presents not just a challenge, but also an opportunity to build an inclusive, sustainable, and self-sufficient dairy industry that supports economic growth, reduces import dependency, and enhances food security. The EU is willing to support the sustainable development of the Nigerian dairy sector,” he added.
Also, Director-General of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), Jafar Umar, stressed the need for inclusive growth and development of the dairy sector in Nigeria.
He noted, “Milk and other dairy products play a critical role in improving nutrition outcomes, especially for children and vulnerable populations.
“In Nigeria, the dairy sector holds significant promise, not only in addressing malnutrition and protein deficiency, but also in driving inclusive economic growth, job creation, and rural transformation.
“As a coalition of agribusiness leaders committed to advancing sustainable agricultural value chains, the NABG remains a strong advocate for investments in local dairy production, processing, and distribution.”
