Knowledge, Technology, Investment Key To Advancing Local Milk Production, Says Arla

Arla Foods Nigeria has said knowledge, technology and investment remain critical to advancing dairy farming practices and strengthening local milk production in Nigeria.

The company made the case at the 2026 Arla-Dano Damau Open Day, held in Kaduna State, where over 850 farmers, students, government representatives, development partners and dairy industry stakeholders gathered for a two-day showcase of modern dairy farming.

Through guided farm tours, practical demonstrations and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants gained valuable exposure to modern dairy operations and the practices that underpin efficient milk production.

The event also provided a platform for engagement with over 20 exhibiting dairy farming service and product suppliers, allowing guests to engage with industry professionals, gain fresh perspectives and exchange experiences.

The head of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Arla Foods Nigeria, Ms. Elele Ogunsanya, said Arla’s commitment in Nigeria extends beyond the products it offers.

“At Arla we believe dairy plays an important role in nourishing communities, supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities across the value chain. Here in Nigeria, that commitment extends beyond the products we offer. It is reflected in our efforts to develop local dairy farming, strengthen farmer capabilities, share knowledge and build partnerships that contribute to a more resilient dairy sector.

“By investing in people, skills and local milk production, we are helping to create lasting value for farmers, communities and future generations,” she said.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, urged stakeholders to build on the partnerships demonstrated at Damau.

“Our shared ambition should be a Nigeria where children have improved access to nutritious food, farmers earn sustainable incomes, dairy processors benefit from stronger local supply chains, and young people find meaningful employment and enterprise opportunities across the livestock value chain. Achieving this ambition requires sustained collaboration, responsible investment and a shared commitment to results,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to pursue practical initiatives that improve child nutrition, increase local production, create jobs and strengthen community livelihoods.

A major milestone of the 2026 Open Day was the presentation of Arla’s new School Feeding Programme in Kaduna State, aimed at contributing to improved child nutrition, supporting educational outcomes and creating demand for locally sourced milk.

Arla intends to nourish school kids in Kaduna with freshly produced yoghurt from the farm several times a week. The programme will commence with a pilot phase with select schools in Kaduna State and will be implemented in collaboration with the Milk Value Chain Foundation.

The Commissioner of Kaduna State, Mr. Murtala Dabo, representing the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, commended the programme and reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to providing the policy stability, security cooperation and enabling infrastructure necessary for investments such as this to flourish.

“I am particularly pleased that today’s engagement also highlights the Kaduna School Feeding Project, which offers an opportunity to connect local dairy production with improved child nutrition and education. By incorporating locally produced milk into school feeding, we can strengthen demand for our farmers’ products while improving the wellbeing of our children,” he said.

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its domestic dairy capacity, the experience at Damau highlighted the importance of combining practical learning, investment and collaboration to build a more productive and self-sufficient dairy sector, while inspiring the next generation of dairy professionals and unlocking new opportunities for the industry.