EU advocates climate-smart systems to reduce emissions 
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Nestlé Nigeria have partnered on the establishment of Nestlé Dairy Technical Skills Programme, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration to strengthen the dairy sector in Nigeria.
  
Managing Director of Nestle, Wassim Elhusseini, disclosed this, yesterday, during a ceremony to mark this year’s World Milk Day themed “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” in Abuja, said that the partnership would boost milk production in Nigeria and catapult the dairy sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  
He said: “In 2019, Nestlé has worked to enhance the dairy industry, establishing 83 co-operatives that benefit approximately 3,000 milk producers. The initiative has led to the aggregation of over one 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 five per cent in 2024.”
  
Elhusseini added that the efforts aimed at boosting the livestock sector for greater performance and economic impact.     
  
Also, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said that the Federal Government would close Nigeria’s milk production gap, which stood at 60 per cent, by reviewing the National Livestock Master Plan (LMP).
  
According to him, the LMP will be for a 15-year period, with a five-year investment plan, as well as align with NL-GAS, identify resource gaps and proffer investment options.”
  
In a keynote address, the Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said 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 that a strong local dairy system would help to 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.
  
Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), Jafar Umar, stressed the need for inclusive growth and development of the dairy sector in Nigeria.