Nestlé Nigeria Unveils Dairy Demonstration Farm, Invests Over ₦1.8 Billion in Local Dairy Development
Nestlé Nigeria has launched a state-of-the-art Dairy Demonstration Farm in Paikon Kore, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the local dairy industry through its Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP). Since its inception in 2021, the NLDP has been structured around three key pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities.The initiative is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and executed in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
The newly established Dairy Demonstration Farm is designed to build on the success of the NLDP by serving as a practical model for best dairy practices. The facility aims to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds, increasing milk yields from an average of 1 liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through advanced breeding techniques and improved farming methods. The farm will also focus on optimizing herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform Nigeria’s dairy industry.
Speaking at the launch event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the company’s investment of over ₦1.8 billion since 2019 to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists in Paikon Kore and the Kachia grazing reserve.
“We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income, rising 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,” Elhusseini stated.
Daily milk collection at the Nestlé Milk Collection and Cooling Centre has surged from 200 liters in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day, aggregating over 1 million liters of raw milk to date. This progress has benefited approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL), emphasized the broader impact of the Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm, describing it as more than just a project but a catalyst for sustainable dairy farming in Nigeria.
“Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project—it is a driver of positive change. Through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, uphold animal welfare, and benefit our communities, we envision this farm as a model of excellence that will inspire others in the industry,” Apampa said.
The Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Nestlé’s initiative, stating that it aligns with Nigeria’s national agenda for livestock development and economic sustainability.
“The establishment of this model dairy farm underscores Nestlé’s commitment to backward integration, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products. This project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive,” the Minister affirmed.
Members of the Paikon Kore community have welcomed the dairy farm, recognizing its potential to improve dairy farming practices and create new opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Apex Union Leaders, Sulaiman Ahmed expressed optimism about the farm’s impact:
“We are delighted that this demonstration farm will not only raise awareness about dairy farming but also provide access to crossbreeds and serve as a training site for modern dairy farming practices. The farm will bring visibility to our community, attracting visitors and potential business partners.”
Nestlé’s Dairy Demonstration Farm spans 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve and is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, maternity and sick bay, holding areas, a dip-tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn. The farm integrates sustainable practices, including solar power and a biogas system for waste management.
Beyond serving as a training ground for dairy farmers under the NLDP, the farm will also provide learning opportunities for academia, researchers, and pastoralists, reinforcing Nestlé’s long-term commitment to dairy development in Nigeria.
This initiative aligns with Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategies , which focuses on fostering partnerships that create economic value for communities while driving business growth.
About Nestlé Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life. The company offers a range of popular brands, including NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI, and NESCAFÉ, ensuring nutritious and delicious food options for consumers across Nigeria.
CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL)
CBi Innovations Limited (CBiIL) specializes in market system development, leveraging innovation to improve income generation and mainstream youth and women producers into commercially viable agricultural value chains. CBiIL partners with Nestlé Nigeria Plc to enhance dairy sector productivity through improved market access, sustainable practices, and technology-driven compliance management.
With Nestlé’s continued investment and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders and the Nigerian government, the launch of the Dairy Demonstration Farm marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency in dairy production, improved livelihoods for farmers, and a more sustainable agricultural sector.
