Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, Federal Capital Territory, as part of its commitment to strengthening the local dairy industry.
The company noted that the initiative, under the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP), aims to enhance milk production and improve pastoralists’ livelihoods through modern dairy farming practices.
According to Nestlé, the NLDP, inaugurated in 2021, operates on three key pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. Supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale, the project is designed to drive sustainable dairy production in Nigeria.
At the farm’s launch, Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, highlighted the company’s significant investment.
“Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N1.8bn in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve.
“Milk producers in the program have seen household income rise from N70,000 in 2021 to N250,000 in 2024, driven by increased productivity and better dairy practices,” he stated.
Elhusseini stated that the impact of these initiatives is evident in milk collection, which has surged from 200 liters per day in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day.
He disclosed that the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre has aggregated over one million liters of raw milk to date, benefiting approximately 3,000 milk producers across 83 dairy cooperatives.
He said, “The newly established demonstration farm is designed to serve as a model for best dairy practices, showcasing methods to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds.
“It aims to improve milk yield from an average of one liter per cow per day to over ten liters through effective breeding, nutrition, and herd health management.”
CBiIL CEO, Soji Apampa, emphasised the broader significance of the project. According to him, “This dairy farm is not just a project; it is a catalyst for sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, ensure animal welfare, and enhance community well-being. We envision it as a model of excellence and inspiration for the industry.”
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, lauded Nestlé’s efforts, underscoring its alignment with Nigeria’s backward integration agenda.
He said, “By introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will boost domestic dairy supply, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen our economy.”
