Nestlé and Ministry of Livestock Development Collaborate to Launch Dairy Technical Skills Development Program

Nestlé is pleased to announce an ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of
Livestock Development to launch a Dairy Technical Skills Development Program. This
initiative, formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed today in commemoration of
World Milk Day 2025, aims to enhance the quality and volume of milk production in Nigeria,
addressing critical needs within the dairy sector. 
 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 programs centered on milk production,
processing, hygiene, and management. 
 Promoting industry-relevant skills through training modules developed in
collaboration with stakeholders. 
 Enhancing milk quality and productivity across local dairy clusters through
knowledge sharing and technical support. 
 Speaking during the signing ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of
Nestlé Nigeria PLC said, “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.”  
 The Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, remarked,
“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.” 

 From the launch of its Dairy Development Project (NLDP) in 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has been
actively contributing to the enhancement of the dairy sector. 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. 
 These efforts have led to significant improvements in milk quality, reducing rejection rates
from 12% in 2021 to as low as 5% in 2024, while monthly revenue for milk producers has
increased from ₦70,000 in 2019 to ₦250,000 in 2024. 
 The launch of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm provides a practical model to illustrate
how best practices can safely increase milk production of local breeds from an average of 1
liter per cow per day to over 10 liters. Following the launch, the Honorable Minister invited
Nestlé Nigeria to convert the farm into a training institute, an opportunity that Nestlé eagerly
accepted leading to the signing of the LOI today.  
By investing in the future of Nigeria’s dairy sector, Nestlé is dedicated to building capacity
and capability for a sustainable and prosperous industry that supports the nation’s
development. 
End.
About us:
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and
commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-
hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and
beverage products. In addition, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes
action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.

Editorial contact: Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability
Lead, Nestlé Nigeria –  Victoria.Uwadoka@ng.nestle.com