Nestlé, FG Partner to Establish Dairy Skills Centre in Abuja to Boost Nigeria’s Milk Production

Nestlé, FG Partner to Establish Dairy Skills Centre in Abuja to Boost Nigeria’s Milk Production

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, Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening technical capacity, improving milk quality, and boosting productivity in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

The centre, to be situated within the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, represents a significant step in scaling up the company’s ongoing Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP). It builds on earlier milestones, including the launch of the demonstration farm in 2025 and a Letter of Intent signed on World Milk Day 2025, marking a transition from pilot initiatives to full-scale implementation.

Under the partnership, both parties will deliver structured training programmes and targeted interventions designed to enhance on-farm practices in milk production, processing, hygiene, and farm management. The initiative will also focus on developing industry-relevant technical skills and improving coordination across the dairy value chain to ensure better quality outcomes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, said the collaboration underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dairy industry.

“At Nestlé, we have consistently worked to improve the dairy value chain. Our experience shows that when capability improves, outcomes follow. This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development enables us to expand a structured approach to skills development that will enhance productivity, improve quality, and ensure long-term sustainability in the sector,” he said.

Elhusseini added that Nestlé’s dairy investments are designed to create shared value for communities while building 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, support for over 3,000 milk producers, and the aggregation of more than one million litres of raw milk. The initiative has also trained over 2,000 pastoralists, vaccinated more than 36,000 cattle, and introduced key infrastructure to support dairy production.

On his part, the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, described the partnership as a critical intervention for unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s dairy industry.

“Nigeria’s dairy sector holds immense potential, but realising it requires stronger technical capabilities across the value chain. This collaboration is a practical step towards improving productivity and quality. We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its commitment and proven track record,” he said.

Maiha noted that the initiative aligns with the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan, which seeks to drive growth in the livestock sector while enhancing food security and economic opportunities.

Following the signing of the MoU, both parties are expected to commence implementation, including finalising the training framework, preparing the 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 training mid-level technical personnel, a critical component for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s dairy industry.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc, one of Africa’s leading food and beverage companies, has operated in the country for over six decades, producing popular brands such as MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURELIFE, CERELAC, NESCAFÉ, and NIDO, while contributing to community development and environmental sustainability.