Nestlé Nigeria Plc says there is ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to launch a dairy technical skills development programme aimed at enhancing the quality and volume of milk production in Nigeria.
The statement by the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said that the initiative had been formalised through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in commemoration of the World Milk Day 2025.
According to the statement, the LOI reflects a shared commitment to develop mid-level technical and vocational skills essential for strengthening Nigeria’s dairy value chain, ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
“The partnership will focus on establishing capacity-building programmes centred on milk production, processing, hygiene, and management; promoting industry-relevant skills through training modules developed in collaboration with stakeholders; and enhancing milk quality and productivity across local dairy clusters through knowledge sharing and technical support,” she said.
The Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said during the signing ceremony that “In addition to our global dairy experience, Nestlé has built capacity to provide targeted training programs on best practices in dairy farming adapted to the Nigerian context.
“This is why the Letter of Intent signifies more than a formal agreement; it reflects our mutual dedication to bridge the gap in mid-level technical skills within the dairy sector to meet the growing demands of the market. We are confident that this will have a positive impact on our communities by creating more jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting a stronger economy.”
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated: “Since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, we have taken significant steps to address the challenges facing the dairy value chain. Under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, we are focusing on key pillars, including livestock value chain development and feed and fodder improvement.
“Our collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria will lead to the commissioning of a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, aimed at building mid-level manpower and training farmers to enhance productivity through modern practices.”
According to him, from the launch of its Dairy Development Project (NLDP) in 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has been actively contributing to the enhancement of the dairy sector.
He disclosed that the NLDP has established 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting over 3,000 milk producers and has aggregated more than 1 million liters of raw milk.
“Nestlé has also trained over 2,000 milk producers in best practices, vaccinated over 36,744 cattle, and facilitated water access through the construction of 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs,” he added.