On Thursday in Abuja, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, announced this initiative during the launch of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, part of the Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP).
Elhusseini explained that the National Livestock Development Programme (NLDP), established in 2019 through a collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE, is structured around three core pillars: enhanced milk production, improved animal feed (fodder), and resilient community development.
He noted that the NLDP project has allocated ₦1.858 billion and currently aggregates an average of 6,000 liters of fresh milk daily from 1,600 participating dairy farming households.
He further mentioned that the initiative aims to boost milk aggregation to 30,000 litres per day by November 2027 through the enhancement of local breeds and the implementation of best practices in dairy farming.
Elhusseini highlighted that participants in the program have seen a remarkable increase in their monthly household income, which has risen from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024.
He attributed this growth to the adoption of improved dairy practices and the establishment of supportive infrastructure within the community.
Additionally, he noted that milk collection at the Paikon Kore center has surged from an initial 200 litres on June 1, 2021, to an average of 6,000 litres per day.
“To date, the project has aggregated over one million litres of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
“This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2,000 pastoralists in dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water. We are establishing a practical model for implementing best dairy practices that will further consolidate and sustain the success of the NLDP, fostering sustainable prosperity for our community of milk producers, aggregators, and farmers,”
Elhusseini mentioned that the initiative has really boosted milk quality, cutting down rejection rates from 12% in 2021 to just 5% in 2024.
He reiterated the company’s aim to hit a daily milk production target of 30,000 litres by November 2027 across the FCT and nearby dairy farm clusters, stressing that this move would play a big role in enhancing regional food security.
Also, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, praised Nestlé for its dedication to sustainable farming practices, calling the dairy farm a significant step in Nigeria’s path toward food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development.
He pointed out the project’s advantages, like boosting productivity through climate-smart practices, training local farmers, and providing a steady income for thousands of rural families via the Paikon Kore milk collection hub.
He also assured that the ministry is committed to tackling industry issues, such as infrastructure gaps, limited financing options, and the need for better veterinary services.
On his part, Olusoji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations Ltd (CBIIL), described the launch as the start of a new era for Nigeria’s dairy sector, highlighting a commitment to quality and sustainability.
He noted that the dairy farm reflects “our commitment to sustainable milk production and quality, backed by strong herd health practices, effective livestock management, and breed enhancement.”
Apampa added that technology is being used in the project to lower production costs while caring for the environment and boosting the local economy. He shared that the farm's cattle population has increased from 20 to 71 in just over a year and a half. Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development.