Nestlé Nigeria Partners Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to Establish Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre
Lagos, Nigeria – Nestlé Nigeria Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada. The initiative is aimed at strengthening technical capacity, improving milk quality, and enhancing productivity across Nigeria’s dairy sector.
The Centre will be situated at the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm and builds on the company’s ongoing Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP). It marks a strategic progression from earlier milestones, including the launch of the Demonstration Farm in 2025 and the signing of a Letter of Intent on World Milk Day 2025. These steps collectively signal a shift from pilot initiatives to full-scale implementation and a more structured, scalable approach to skills development within the dairy value chain.
Through this collaboration, structured training programmes and targeted interventions will be delivered to:
- Strengthen on-farm practices across milk production, processing, hygiene, and farm management
- Develop industry-relevant technical skills in collaboration with key stakeholders
- Improve value chain coordination and milk quality outcomes across local dairy clusters
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to the sector:
“At Nestlé, we have been working over the years to strengthen the dairy value chain in Nigeria. What we have seen is clear—when capability improves, outcomes follow. This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development allows us to expand the reach of our structured approach to building the skills required to improve productivity, enhance quality, and support long-term sustainability in the sector.”
He further noted that Nestlé’s dairy investments are focused on creating shared value for communities while supporting the development of a resilient local supply base.
Since 2019, the Nestlé Livestock Development Project has recorded significant impact, including the establishment of 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting over 3,000 milk producers and aggregating more than one million litres of raw milk. Additionally, over 2,000 pastoralists have been trained, 36,744 cattle vaccinated, and critical infrastructure deployed to support production.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“Nigeria’s dairy sector holds significant potential, but unlocking it requires stronger technical capability across the value chain. This partnership represents a practical step towards improving productivity and quality. I commend Nestlé Nigeria for their continued commitment and proven track record through the Nestlé Livestock Development Project, demonstrating what is possible when the right systems are in place.”
The Minister added that the initiative aligns with the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan, which seeks to catalyse growth in the livestock and dairy sectors while enhancing food security and economic opportunity.
Following the MoU signing, both parties will commence implementation, including finalising the training framework, preparing the Demonstration Farm site, and rolling out the programme in phases in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre will serve as a structured platform for training and capacity building, focusing on developing mid-level technical skills essential for the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s dairy sector.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to scaling proven interventions, strengthening technical capabilities, and building a more resilient dairy industry that supports livelihoods, boosts local production, and advances national development.