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| L-R: Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini MD/CEO, Nestlé Nigeria, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Victor Egbon, Director, Ruminants and Monogastric Development, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development at the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent between both organization's to establish the Nestlé Dairy Training Center, in Abuja, today. |
In commemoration of World Milk Day 2025, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has announced a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to launch a Dairy Technical SkilIn ls Development Program aimed at enhancing the quality and volume of milk production in Nigeria.
The collaboration was formalized today through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), marking a shared commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain by developing mid-level technical and vocational skills essential for food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.
The program will focus on: Establishing capacity-building programs covering milk production, processing, hygiene, and management.
Promoting industry-relevant skills through collaboratively developed training modules.
Enhancing milk quality and productivity across local dairy clusters via technical support and knowledge sharing.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, stated: “In addition to our global dairy experience, Nestlé has built capacity to provide targeted training programs tailored to the Nigerian context. This Letter of Intent is more than a formal agreement; it reflects our mutual dedication to closing the mid-level skills gap in the dairy sector. We are confident this partnership will create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to a stronger Nigerian economy.”
Also addressing stakeholders at the event, Hon. Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, said: “Since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, we have made great strides in addressing critical challenges in the dairy value chain. Under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, our focus areas include value chain development and feed and fodder improvement. Our partnership with Nestlé Nigeria will culminate in the commissioning of a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, to build mid-level manpower and train farmers in modern dairy practices.”
Since launching its Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP) in 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has contributed significantly to the dairy ecosystem by: Establishing 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting over 3,000 milk producers, Aggregating more than 1 million liters of raw milk, Training over 2,000 milk producers in best practices, Vaccinating over 36,744 cattle and Constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to improve water access.
These initiatives have resulted in a dramatic reduction in milk rejection rates—from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024—and a notable increase in producers’ monthly revenue, rising from ₦70,000 in 2019 to ₦250,000 in 2024.
Nestlé’s Dairy Demonstration Farm, launched recently, has further showcased the potential of local dairy breeds, increasing average milk yields from 1 liter per cow per day to over 10 liters through best practices in animal husbandry and feed management.
Following this success, the Honorable Minister invited Nestlé to convert the demonstration farm into a full-fledged training institute—a proposal Nestlé welcomed with enthusiasm, culminating in today’s LOI signing.
This milestone reflects Nestlé’s long-term commitment to investing in the future of Nigeria’s dairy industry—building capacity, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable economic growth.