In a significant stride toward revitalizing Nigeria’s dairy industry, Nestlé Nigeria has signed a strategic Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) to launch the Dairy Technical Skills Development Programme. The partnership was formalized in Abuja as part of activities marking World Milk Day 2025, and it marks a pivotal effort to enhance milk production capacity and strengthen food systems nationwide.

Empowering Nigeria’s Dairy Value Chain Through Skill Development

The newly launched initiative is designed to equip farmers with mid-level technical and vocational competencies, focusing on critical areas such as milk production, hygiene, animal husbandry, and value chain management. The program will support the development of a resilient and sustainable dairy sector by increasing the quality and volume of locally sourced milk.

According to Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, the programme aims to create new economic opportunities for local communities by building technical expertise, improving productivity, and strengthening the overall dairy value chain.

“This initiative reflects our shared dedication to closing skill gaps in the dairy sector and building a more inclusive and prosperous rural economy,” Elhusseini said during the signing ceremony.

Building on a Strong Foundation: The Nestlé Livestock Development Project

The new programme builds on the successes of Nestlé’s Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP), which began in 2019. Over the past five years, the project has made measurable contributions to dairy development in Nigeria, including:

• Formation of 83 dairy cooperatives
• Engagement of over 3,000 milk producers
• Aggregation of more than one million litres of raw milk
• Training of over 2,000 farmers on modern dairy practices
• Vaccination of 36,000+ cattle
• Construction of 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs for improved water access

These interventions have directly improved milk quality, with milk rejection rates dropping from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, while average monthly income for dairy farmers has surged from ₦70,000 in 2019 to ₦250,000 in 2024.

Paikon Kore Dairy Training Centre: A Game-Changer for Rural Farmers

One of the key outcomes of the partnership is the establishment of a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory. This center will serve as a national hub for hands-on learning, targeting mid-level manpower development and equipping farmers with practical knowledge and tools to improve their yields and income.

Elhusseini also unveiled the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, which will showcase how proper animal care, nutrition, and farm management can boost local milk production from 1 litre per cow per day to over 10 litres—especially using local breeds.

Following its unveiling, the Federal Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, invited Nestlé to transform the demonstration farm into a full-fledged training institute, further expanding its impact.

“Our goal is to create an ecosystem where local farmers are not just producers but skilled professionals who can sustain and grow Nigeria’s dairy economy,” the Minister stated.

Advancing National Goals Through Public-Private Partnerships

This collaboration demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing national food security, nutrition improvement, youth employment, and rural empowerment. By aligning with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the Dairy Technical Skills Development Programme supports key government priorities such as livestock value chain enhancement and fodder improvement.

Nestlé Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable agriculture and inclusive development, emphasizing its 63-year legacy of supporting Nigerian communities and promoting access to quality nutrition.