Victor Ezeja
Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, Abuja, as part of its commitment to the development of the local dairy industry in the country.
The company said the initiative, which comes under the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP), inaugurated in 2021, seeks to use contemporary dairy farming techniques to increase milk production and raise pastoralists’ standard of living.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Nestle Nigeria, the NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities.
The project is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
The company revealed that the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, is designed to serve as a practical model for implementing best dairy practices, adding that it will demonstrate how to increase the productivity of local cattle breeds through successful breeding programmes, from an average daily yield of one litre per cow to maybe over ten litres.
“The farm also aims to showcase the practical application of best dairy practices to maintain herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform local dairy production,” a statement from the company added.
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Speaking during the unveiling of the demonstration farm, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria said: “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve.” Elhusseini reported that milk producers participating in the programme have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which, according to him, rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024.
“This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities,” the Nestlé Nigeria CEO/ MD added.
Elhusseini said 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 1 million litres of raw milk to date.
He noted the success recorded in the programme benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
On his part, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations said: they are excited about the opportunities ahead with the Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm. According to him, the diary demonstration farm would promote sustainable farming practices that protect the environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of 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.”
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, applauded Nestle Nigeria for coming up with the initiative which he said aligns with the country’s national agenda for livestock development.
“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,” Maiha stated.
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He noted that the project will not only boost the domestic dairy supply of dairy products but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening the economy.
“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,” the minister stated.
Some community members expressed their excitement about the location of the farm.
Speaking on behalf of Apex Union Leaders, Sulaiman Ahmed, said: “We are delighted that in addition to raising awareness about dairy farming, the demo farm will bring many benefits to our community. It presents us with the opportunity to access crossbreeds and serves as a training site for adopting modern dairy farming practices, particularly in feeding methodologies.” He added that the farm will also create more visibility for the community by attracting visitors and potential business partners.
Nestlé said the Dairy Development Farm which is situated on 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, a maternity and sick bay. “It also has a holding area and dip tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn.
“The farm has adopted sustainable practices including the use of solar power, and the establishment of a biogas system for waste management. It will serve as a training facility not just for the farmers within the NLDP project, but also for a wider range of stakeholders, including practitioners, academia and pastoralists.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
