Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion in dairy development to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists in the Paikon Kore grazing reserve, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the launch of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm in Paikon Kore, Abuja, the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasised Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to boosting daily milk production to 30,000 litres by November 2027. He underscored the project’s importance in strengthening the nation’s dairy sector and contributing to food security.
The initiative, part of the Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP), is a collaboration with 2Scale and CBI Innovations Limited, supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Elhusseini noted that the project has already increased milk production and improved the incomes of local dairy farmers. Since its inception in 2019, in partnership with the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) and CBI Innovations Limited, the project has focused on developing Nigeria’s dairy value chain and enhancing the livelihoods of pastoralists in the Paikon Kore grazing reserve.
The NLDP operates on three key pillars: better milk, better feed (fodder), and resilient communities. So far, the initiative has aggregated an average of 6,000 litres of fresh milk per day from 1,600 dairy households.
He said: “The project has transformed the dairy sector, with milk producers experiencing a nearly fourfold increase in household income, rising from ₦70,000 to ₦250,000 between 2021 and 2024. This growth is attributed to improved dairy practices, enhanced infrastructure, and better access to resources.”
“Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 litres in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million litres of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.”
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was at the event, noted that Nestlé’s investment aligns seamlessly with the national agenda for livestock development.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives through policies that improve infrastructure, access to finance, and veterinary services.
Meanwhile, the CEO of CBI Innovations Limited, Mr Soji Apampa, described the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm as more than just a project, as it is a catalyst for sustainable change in the industry.
He expressed optimism that the farm would serve as a model of excellence, promoting sustainability, animal welfare, and community well-being.
“We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
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