Nestlé, Federal Govt Partner To Strengthen Capacity, Productivity In Dairy Sector

As part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity, improve milk quality, and enhance productivity within Nigeria’s dairy sector, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre.

The Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, to be located at the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, builds on the company’s ongoing Livestock Development Project (NLDP).

LEADERSHIP reports that the centre reflects a deliberate progression of interventions, from the launch of the Demonstration Farm in 2025 to the signing of a Letter of Intent on World Milk Day 2025.

Together, the milestones signal the transition from pilot initiatives to full implementation and a more structured, scalable approach to skills development across the dairy value chain.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, managing director of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said the partnership with the Livestock Ministry would help improve productivity, enhance quality, and support long-term sustainability in the sector

“At Nestlé, we have been working over the years to strengthen the dairy value chain in Nigeria. What we have seen is clear, when capability improves, outcomes follow. This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development allows us to expand the reach of our structured approach to building the skills required to improve productivity, enhance quality, and support long-term sustainability in the sector.”

He added that the company’s investment in dairy development has consistently focused on creating shared value for communities while supporting the growth of a resilient local supply base.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to catalyse growth in the livestock and dairy sectors while enhancing food security and economic opportunity.

“Nigeria’s dairy sector holds significant potential, but unlocking it requires stronger technical capability across the value chain. This partnership represents a practical step towards improving productivity and quality, and I commend Nestlé Nigeria for its continued commitment and proven track record through the Nestlé Livestock Development Project, demonstrating what is possible when the right systems are in place.

“At the Ministry, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports investments such as this, ensuring that policy and partnerships work together to drive meaningful impact and build a more resilient and competitive dairy industry.”