Abuja: Nestl© Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion to enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in the Federal Capital Territory. Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestl© Nigeria Plc, announced this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Nestl© Dairy Demonstration Farm under its Nestl© Livestock Development Project (NLDP).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NLDP, implemented in collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE since 2019, is structured around three pillars: better milk, better feed (fodder), and resilient communities. Elhusseini highlighted that the NLDP project currently aggregates an average of 6,000 litres of fresh milk per day from 1,600 dairy households, with an ambition to aggregate 30,000 litres by November 2027.
He noted that milk producers in the programme had seen an increase in their household monthly income, from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024, driven by improved dairy practices and infrastructure within the community. Milk collection at the Paikon Kore centre increased from 200 litres on 1 June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres, benefiting 3,000 milk producers across 83 successful dairy cooperatives under the NLDP.
Elhusseini stated that the project had trained over 2,000 pastoralists, vaccinated over 36,000 cattle, and constructed essential infrastructure, significantly improving milk quality and reducing rejection rates. He reaffirmed the goal to achieve 30,000 litres of milk production per day by November 2027, contributing to regional food security.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, commended Nestl© for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, describing the dairy farm as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards food security and economic growth. Maiha pledged the ministry’s support in addressing industry challenges, like infrastructure deficits and access to finance.
Olusoji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations Ltd, described the unveiling as the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry. He emphasized the commitment to sustainable milk use and quality, supported by improved livestock management and technology integration. Apampa reported an increase in the animal population on the farm, highlighting advancements through artificial insemination and sustainable practices.
Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development at the FCTA, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to foster economic growth and national development.
