Nestle Nigeria Invests Heavily in Livestock Development Project, Boosts Local Economy
In a significant move to enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists in the Federal Capital Territory, Nestle Nigeria has invested a staggering N1.8 billion in the Nestle Livestock Development Project (NLDP). The project, launched in collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE in 2019, aims to improve the dairy industry in Nigeria through three key pillars: better milk production, better feed, and resilient communities.
According to the Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, the NLDP has made tremendous progress since its inception. The project has collected an average of 6,000 liters of fresh milk daily from 1,600 dairy households, with plans to increase this to 30,000 liters per day by November 2027. This ambitious goal is expected to be achieved through the adoption of best dairy farming practices and the improvement of local breeds.
The project has already had a significant impact on the local economy, with milk producers experiencing a substantial increase in their household income. Between 2021 and 2024, the monthly income of milk producers has risen from N70,000 to N250,000, driven by improved dairy practices and the development of enabling infrastructure within the community. The milk collection center at Paikon Kore has also seen a remarkable growth, from an initial 200 liters on June 1, 2021, to an average of 6,000 liters per day.
To date, the project has aggregated over one million liters of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP. The project has also provided training to over 2,000 pastoralists in dairy practices, vaccinated over 36,000 cattle, and constructed 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water.
The initiative has also led to a significant improvement in milk quality, with rejection rates reducing from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024. Elhusseini reaffirmed the company’s goal to achieve a critical mass of 30,000 liters of milk production per day by November 2027, which would greatly contribute to regional food security.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, commended Nestle for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, describing the dairy farm as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development. He highlighted the project’s benefits, including enhanced productivity through climate-smart sustainable practices, capacity-building for local farmers, and providing a reliable income source for thousands of rural families.
The Minister also pledged the ministry’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, and the need for improved veterinary services. Olusoji Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations Ltd, called the unveiling of the Nestle Dairy Demonstration Farm a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry, showcasing a commitment to excellence and sustainability.
Apampa emphasized that the dairy farm is a testament to the dedication to sustainable milk use and quality, supported by robust herd health practices, effective livestock management, and breed improvement. The project is enhanced by technology to minimize production costs while nurturing the environment and supporting the local economy. The animal population on the farm has grown from 20 to 71 cattle over the past year and eight months.
Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development at the FCTA, noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster economic growth and national development. The NLDP is a shining example of the impact that private sector investment can have on local communities, and its success is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the Nigerian dairy industry.
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