Nestlé, FG Partner to Train Farmers and Boost Milk Production in Nigeria
In a major step toward improving Nigeria’s dairy industry, the Federal Government and Nestlé Nigeria have launched a new initiative to train farmers and boost local milk production. This partnership was unveiled during the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nestlé and the Ministry of Livestock Development on World Milk Day 2025.
The programme aims to equip farmers with practical skills in dairy farming, covering milk production, hygiene, processing, and farm management. The goal is to improve both the quantity and quality of milk produced in Nigeria.
Training Centre to Boost Skills and Create Jobs
As part of the initiative, a Dairy Training Centre will be established in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada. This Centre will focus on developing mid-level vocational skills in dairy farming.
“Since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, we have taken significant steps to address the challenges facing the dairy value chain,” said Livestock Minister Mukhtar Maiha. “Our collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria will help train farmers and enhance productivity through modern practices.”
Nestlé’s Ongoing Impact in Dairy Development
Nestlé’s involvement in Nigeria’s dairy sector began in 2019 with its Dairy Development Project. Since then, it has formed 83 cooperatives, trained over 2,000 milk producers, and vaccinated nearly 37,000 cattle. The company has also built 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to improve water access for farmers.
So far, over 1 million liters of raw milk have been collected, with milk rejection rates dropping from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024. Farmers’ average monthly income increased from ₦70,000 in 2019 to ₦250,000 in 2024.
“This partnership is not just about milk—it’s about empowering farmers, creating jobs, and building a stronger future for Nigeria’s dairy industry.”
— Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO, Nestlé Nigeria
Model Farm Sets New Standard
Nestlé also introduced a Dairy Demonstration Farm to showcase how improved practices can raise milk yields from 1 liter to over 10 liters per cow per day. Following its success, the Minister invited Nestlé to turn it into a full training institute—an offer the company accepted.
According to Nestlé Nigeria CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, “This partnership is more than a formal agreement. It’s a commitment to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen the dairy value chain for a better Nigeria.”
This initiative is a promising step towards building a stronger, self-sufficient dairy industry in Nigeria—one that creates jobs, reduces import dependence, and uplifts rural communities.
