The Federal Government and Nestlé Nigeria Plc signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday to improve animal genetics and boost dairy farming productivity. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said the partnership will establish a dairy skills development centre to offer practical training in ranch management and dairy production. He described the move as a turning point for the sector, noting Nigeria lacks institutions that provide hands-on training in large-scale dairy operations, breeding, and animal health. The centre aims to professionalise livestock farming and attract investment by equipping Nigerians with technical expertise. The first batch of trainees is expected to graduate within one year.
Nestlé's Managing Director, Wassim Elhusseini, said the MoU marks the shift from commitment to action, following a letter of intent signed with the ministry in 2025. He disclosed that Nestlé has invested over N1.8 billion in dairy development since 2019. That investment has led to the collection of more than one million litres of raw milk, training for over 2,000 pastoralists, and vaccination of over 36,000 cattle. Elhusseini said the new centre will expand these efforts and strengthen the country's dairy value chain.
