The Federal Government, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, has set to establish a Dairy Training Institute to enhance skills and boost productivity in Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the initiative during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, emphasising the need for technical training to bridge knowledge gaps in dairy farming.
“This institute will provide hands-on training in pasture cultivation, feed management, animal husbandry, milk collection, and transportation. A thriving dairy sector requires skilled personnel, a step in that direction,” Maiha stated.
He commended NESTLÉ Nigeria for its investment in local dairy development, particularly in supporting indigenous cattle breeds and sustainable milk production.
Maiha highlighted efforts to curb milk adulteration and revamp grazing reserves to support commercial dairy farming while reducing uncontrolled cattle movement in urban areas.
“If we want a competitive dairy industry, we need structured grazing reserves, organised milk collection systems, and strict regulations against milk adulteration,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of NESTLÉ Nigeria, Corporate Communications Lead Victoria Ndee Uwadoka revealed that the company aggregated over 1.65 million litres of milk between 2021 and 2024.
She noted that its dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, commissioned in February, serves as a model for improving milk production.
The Dairy Training Institute is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in dairy production.
