Nestlé has announced an ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to launch a dairy technical skills development programme centred on enhancing milk quality and productivity across local dairy clusters.

This initiative, formalised through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed today in commemoration of World Milk Day 2025, aims to enhance the quality and volume of milk production in Nigeria, addressing critical needs within the dairy sector.

The LOI reflects a shared commitment to develop mid-level technical and vocational skills essential for strengthening Nigeria’s dairy value chain, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

The partnership will focus on establishing capacity-building programmes centered on milk production, processing, hygiene, and management as well as promoting industry-relevant skills through training modules developed in collaboration with stakeholders.
The partnership also covers enhancing milk quality and productivity across local dairy clusters through knowledge sharing and technical support.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasised the company’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s dairy sector through capacity building and skills development.

He noted that, in addition to Nestlé’s global expertise in dairy, the company has developed the capability to deliver targeted training programs tailored specifically to the Nigerian context.

According to him, these programmes are designed to share best practices in dairy farming and equip local farmers and workers with the skills necessary to thrive in the industry.

Elhusseini said the Letter of Intent signed at the ceremony represents more than just a formal agreement.

“It reflects our mutual dedication to bridge the gap in mid-level technical skills within the dairy sector to meet the growing demands of the market,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would positively impact local communities by creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and ultimately contributing to a stronger Nigerian economy.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to transforming the dairy sector through strategic interventions and partnerships.

Maiha noted that since the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the government has made significant progress in tackling long-standing challenges within the dairy value chain.

He explained that under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the ministry is prioritizing key pillars such as livestock value chain development and the improvement of feed and fodder systems.

He announced that the government’s collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria will culminate in the establishment of a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada.

The centre, he said, is designed to build mid-level technical manpower and provide training for farmers, equipping them with modern agricultural practices to boost productivity and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.