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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has supported the ₦1.8 billion investment by Nestlé Nigeria to boost dairy production and train herders.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who spoke at the launch of a dairy demonstration farm at Paikon Kore in Abuja, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing a business-friendly environment for investors.
Maiha said: “The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 litres in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres per day at the milk collection and cooling centre, aggregating over 1 million litres of raw milk to date.
He said: “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore grazing reserve.
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“We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this programme have experienced a substantial increase in their household income, which rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024.
“This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and the provision of enabling infrastructure within the communities.
“Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 litres in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million litres of raw milk to date.
“This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations said: “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project; it is a catalyst for the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities.
“We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
