In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry, 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, which will be situated at the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, is aimed at enhancing technical capacity, improving milk quality, and boosting productivity across the dairy value chain. It builds on the company’s ongoing Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP), marking a transition from pilot initiatives to a more structured and scalable skills development programme.
The proposed centre will deliver targeted training and interventions designed to strengthen on-farm practices in milk production, processing, hygiene, and farm management. It will also focus on developing industry-relevant technical skills in collaboration with key stakeholders, while improving coordination and quality outcomes across local dairy clusters.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to developing Nigeria’s dairy sector.
“At Nestlé, we have consistently worked to strengthen the dairy value chain. Experience has shown that improved capability leads to better outcomes. This partnership enables us to expand our structured approach to building the skills required to enhance productivity, improve quality, and ensure long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Elhusseini further noted that Nestlé’s dairy investments are designed to create shared value for communities while fostering a resilient local supply chain.
Since its inception in 2019, the Nestlé Livestock Development Project has made notable progress, including the establishment of 83 dairy cooperatives benefiting over 3,000 milk producers. The initiative has aggregated more than one million litres of raw milk, trained over 2,000 pastoralists, and facilitated the vaccination of more than 36,000 cattle, alongside the introduction of critical production infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, highlighted the untapped potential within Nigeria’s dairy sector.
“Nigeria’s dairy industry holds immense potential, but unlocking it requires stronger technical expertise across the value chain. This partnership is a practical step towards improving productivity and quality. We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained commitment and proven track record,” he said.
The Minister added that the initiative aligns with the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan, which seeks to drive growth in the livestock sector, enhance food security, and create economic opportunities.
With the MoU now in place, both parties are set to commence implementation, including finalizing the training framework, preparing the project site, and rolling out the programme in phases in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre is expected to serve as a structured platform for capacity building, focusing on the development of mid-level technical skills essential for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The partnership underscores a broader commitment to strengthening local production, improving livelihoods, and advancing national development through strategic collaboration.
