LAGOS: Nestlé Nigeria Plc has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre at Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity and improve productivity and milk quality in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

The centre will be located at the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm and will build on the company’s ongoing Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP).

The partnership marks the next phase of Nestlé’s dairy development interventions, following the launch of its Demonstration Farm in 2025 and the signing of a Letter of Intent on World Milk Day 2025. The latest agreement is expected to move the initiative from pilot interventions towards a more structured and scalable approach to skills development across the dairy value chain.

Under the partnership, structured training programmes and targeted interventions will focus on improving on-farm practices in milk production, processing, hygiene and farm management.

The programme will also develop industry-relevant technical skills in collaboration with key stakeholders, strengthen coordination across local dairy clusters, and improve milk quality.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the company had worked for several years to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain.

“What we have seen is clear, when capability improves, outcomes follow,” Elhusseini said.

He explained that the partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would allow Nestlé to expand its structured approach to developing the skills needed to improve productivity, enhance quality and promote long-term sustainability in the sector.

According to him, Nestlé’s investment in dairy development has remained focused on creating shared value for communities while supporting the development of a resilient local supply base.

Over 3,000 Milk Producers Already Benefiting

Since 2019, the Nestlé Livestock Development Project has worked with dairy communities across Nigeria to improve milk quality, increase productivity and strengthen livelihoods.

The initiative has so far established 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting more than 3,000 milk producers and aggregating over one million litres of raw milk.

More than 2,000 pastoralists have also received training, while over 36,744 cattle have been vaccinated. The project has equally introduced key infrastructure aimed at supporting dairy production.

Speaking on the new partnership, Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, said Nigeria’s dairy sector has significant potential but requires stronger technical capacity across the value chain to unlock it.

He described the partnership as a practical step towards improving productivity and quality, while commending Nestlé Nigeria for its continued investment and experience through the Nestlé Livestock Development Project.

Maiha said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was committed to creating an enabling environment for investments that could strengthen Nigeria’s livestock and dairy industries.

The Minister added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan, which seeks to stimulate growth in the livestock and dairy sectors while contributing to food security and economic opportunities.

Implementation Begins After MoU

Following the signing of the MoU, Nestlé Nigeria and the Federal Ministry will begin implementation activities, including finalising the training framework, preparing the Demonstration Farm site and commencing a phased rollout of the programme in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre is expected to provide a structured platform for training and capacity building, with emphasis on developing mid-level technical skills considered critical to the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s dairy industry.

The programme will be implemented alongside relevant stakeholders to ensure that the training aligns with national standards and the practical needs of the industry.

By expanding existing interventions and strengthening technical capacity, the partnership is expected to contribute to a more resilient Nigerian dairy sector, support livelihoods, increase local production, and contribute to broader national development.

About Nestlé Nigeria

Nestlé Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading food and beverage companies. For more than 62 years, the company has operated in Nigeria, providing food and beverage products under brands including MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, CERELAC, NESCAFÉ and NIDO.

The company operates three manufacturing sites, seven branch offices and its head office in Lagos. Nestlé Nigeria says it remains focused on improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of individuals and families, supporting thriving communities and taking action to protect the planet.

Media Contact:
Toritseju Egbebi
Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria
Email: Toritseju.egbebi@ng.nestle.com