Get Guardian on GoogleThe Federal Government has expressed support for efforts by Promasidor Nigeria Limited to expand domestic milk production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported dairy products.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the indication during a visit to Ikun Dairy Farm in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Maiha commended Promasidor for its investment in the facility, particularly its contributions to cattle breeding, animal healthcare, and local milk production.
He noted that Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products, stressing the need to strengthen domestic production and reduce the pressure on foreign exchange.
The minister said investments such as Ikun Dairy Farm could help address the gap, create employment opportunities and improve national food security.
Located in Ikun-Ekiti, the farm operates under a partnership between Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government.
Although established in the 1980s, the facility remained underutilised for several years until both parties formalised their partnership in 2019. Promasidor subsequently committed an initial $5 million to its revival and development.
The farm now spans more than 530 hectares, accommodates over 700 cattle and produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily, according to its management.
Beyond milk production, the facility also supports efforts to improve the availability of quality dairy cattle for farmers.
Speaking during the visit, Promasidor’s Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, disclosed that the farm had sold more than 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year.
He said the initiative would help farmers gain access to dairy cattle and strengthen local capacity for milk production.
Adenson explained that the farm encountered significant difficulties during its early years, particularly with the adaptation of imported cattle to Nigeria’s environment. The challenge resulted in the loss of several animals.
However, sustained breeding efforts have enabled the farm to develop successive generations of cattle better adapted to local conditions.
He added that the facility had invested in producing some of its feed requirements, including maize and soybean, while strengthening animal healthcare and adopting improved dairy production practices.
Adenson called for closer cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government to expand the farm’s capacity and accelerate the development of Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
In his response, Maiha acknowledged the facility’s progress in cattle breeding, animal health management and milk production.
He expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to work with Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government to explore opportunities for expanding the facility and increasing domestic dairy production.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain.
Adebayo, who represented the governor, said the state was pursuing an approach that connects crop production with livestock development to improve agricultural productivity.
He also highlighted the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic as part of efforts to strengthen animal healthcare, improve disease management and raise productivity across the livestock sector.
Promasidor, which began operations in Nigeria in 1993, manufactures and markets a range of food and beverage products, including Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Onga, Top Tea, Twisco and Kremela.
The company’s investment in Ikun Dairy Farm forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening local agricultural production and building a sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria.
