Nestlé Nigeria Plc said it has invested N1.8 billion in the Nigeria dairy industry development.
The company launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, Abuja, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to enhancing the local dairy industry through the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP, inaugurated in 2021.
The NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. It is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
The managing director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said, “since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve.
“We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from N70,000 in 2021 to N250,000 in 2024. This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities,” he said.
He added that “daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 litres in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over one million litres of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.”
The CEO of CBI Innovations, Mr. Soji Apampa, said, “we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities.
“We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
The minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, said, “the establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development.”
He said, “by introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.”
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