In a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector, Nestlé Nigeria PLC has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Program. The agreement was signed on June 1st, 2025, in Abuja to commemorate World Milk Day and marks a strategic milestone in improving milk quality and production in Nigeria.
The new initiative will lead to the creation of a Dairy Training Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada – the same community where Nestlé recently launched its Dairy Demonstration Farm. The centre will serve as a hub for building mid-level technical and vocational skills across the dairy value chain, focusing on milk production, processing, hygiene, and modern livestock management.
Speaking at the signing event, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasized the long-term impact of the partnership. “This Letter of Intent signifies more than a formal agreement; it reflects our shared vision to bridge the gap in technical skills within the dairy sector. Through this collaboration, we aim to support sustainable livelihoods, improve milk quality, and ultimately contribute to economic growth.”
The Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, also expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its alignment with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. “This initiative will help us tackle the persistent challenges within the dairy value chain. By training farmers and developing mid-level manpower, we can enhance productivity using modern, efficient practices.”
Nestlé’s commitment to dairy development in Nigeria is not new. Since the launch of the Nestlé Dairy Development Project (NLDP) in 2019, the company has established 83 dairy cooperatives, trained over 2,000 milk producers, vaccinated more than 36,000 cattle, and built critical infrastructure such as water boreholes and troughs. These efforts have led to significant results, including a reduction in milk rejection rates from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, and a rise in average monthly income for milk producers from ₦70,000 to ₦250,000.
The proposed training centre is expected to expand on these gains by serving as a practical and scalable model for improved dairy farming techniques. It will also promote youth empowerment and job creation in rural communities.
By investing in the future of Nigeria’s dairy industry, Nestlé and the Ministry of Livestock Development are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector that supports food security and national development.