The Federal Government, in partnership with Nestlé Nigeria, has launched an initiative to equip Nigerian farmers with the technical skills required to boost milk production and enhance livelihoods.

Announced on Monday during the signing of a Letter of Intent between Nestlé Nigeria and the Ministry of Livestock Development, the collaboration coincided with World Milk Day 2025. The programme aims to address challenges within the dairy value chain by building mid-level vocational skills and improving local dairy practices.

Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, stated that the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, focusing on value chain development, feed improvement, and modern farming techniques. He revealed plans for a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, which will equip farmers with practical knowledge in milk production, hygiene, processing, and farm management.

Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Wassim Elhusseini, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, describing it as a shared commitment to bridging skill gaps in the dairy sector. “This partnership goes beyond an agreement; it reflects our dedication to developing technical expertise, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth,” he said.

Elhusseini added that Nestlé’s Dairy Development Project, launched in 2019, has already established 83 cooperatives, benefiting over 3,000 milk producers, aggregating more than one million litres of raw milk, and training over 2,000 farmers. The company has also vaccinated 37,000 cattle and built infrastructure including 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs.

As a result, milk rejection rates have dropped from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, while farmers’ average monthly income has increased from ₦70,000 in 2019 to ₦250,000 in 2024. Nestlé’s Dairy Demonstration Farm, which showcases how improved practices can raise yields from one to over ten litres per cow daily, will now evolve into a full-fledged training institute following a government invitation.

Through this partnership, the Federal Government and Nestlé Nigeria aim to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem, promote self-sufficiency, and empower rural communities.