Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported dairy products have received a boost as Promasidor Nigeria Limited expands production capacity at Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, which now produces over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily.
This investment comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s yearly expenditure of approximately $1.5 billion on dairy imports, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic production and build capacity in the local dairy industry.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who visited the facility, commended the progress made in milk production, cattle breeding and animal healthcare, describing the investment as an important contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the livestock sector.
Established in 1983, Ikun Dairy Farm was underutilised for several years before Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government formalised a partnership in 2019 to revive its operations. With an initial investment of $5 million from Promasidor, the facility has developed into an integrated operation spanning more than 500 hectares and housing over 700 cattle.
Beyond its daily milk output, the farm is developing local cattle breeding capacity to support the wider dairy industry and reduce reliance on imported breeding stock.
The farm’s Group Finance Director and Chairman, Yomi Adexson, disclosed that about 160 pregnant heifers were sold to farmers this year to encourage the expansion of dairy farming beyond the facility.
He acknowledged that the project faced significant challenges in its early years, including the loss of approximately 185 imported cattle because of difficulties adapting to local environmental conditions.
However, he said sustained investment in breeding and animal management has enabled them to develop successive generations of cattle better suited to the Nigerian environment.
The facility has also expanded into maize, soybean and cassava cultivation to support animal feed production, while investing in veterinary services and improved farm management.
Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, said developing a sustainable dairy industry requires long-term investment, technical knowledge and collaboration among stakeholders. He identified local breeding capacity, farmer development and adaptation to environmental conditions as essential to improving productivity and building a resilient domestic dairy industry.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain linking crop production with livestock development.
