Nestlé Nigeria PLC, has launched N1.8 billion Dairy Demonstration Farm in Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, under the Nestlé Livestock Development Project, NLDP. The Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Wassim Elhusseini, in an address said Nestle is dedicated to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for Nigerians and for generations to come. The farm is established by Nestlé Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory, with CBI Innovation and implementation partners. He said “we recognize that our success is connected to the well-being of the communities in which we live and operate, and therefore, ensure that we create societal value alongside our business growth, a concept called creating shared value at Nestle.
“Since 2019, in collaboration with 2 Scale and cbi innovations Limited, and with the support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, our gracious host, Nestle Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve. We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024. This growth is a result of increased productivity driven by improved daily practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the community. From an initial collection of 200 litres of milk on June 1, 2021, we have increased our daily collection to an average of 6,000 litres at the milk collection and cooling centre right here in Paikon Kore.
Meanwhile, according to him, the project has aggregated over 1 million litres of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP. This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2,000 pastoralists on the dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water. Today, we are not just launching a demonstration farm.
“We are establishing a practical model for implementing best dairy practices that will further consolidate and sustain the success of the NLDP, fostering sustainable prosperity for our community of milk producers, aggregators and farmers. At the demonstration farm, you will illustrate how to safely enhance the productivity of local cattle from an average yield of one litre per cow per day to potentially over 10 litres through an effective breeding programme and adherence to best dairy practices that ensure adequate herd health, nutrition and hydration. The farm will showcase how settled cattle breeding methods can significantly increase production by providing a safe environment for the cattle and their owners, reducing the risks and potential conflicts associated with migration.
“Cattle owners will also gain insights on how to keep animal disease free through improved management practices and understanding the importance of milk handling and hygiene on ensuring product quality to guarantee off-table.
“Our goal is to achieve a critical mass of milk production of 30,000 litres per day by November 2027 across the FCT and its adjoining dairy farm clusters, thereby making a significant contribution to regional food security. In conclusion, I would like to thank our hosts, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, for their ongoing collaboration”, he added.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, in his remarks assured support for such investments and development of the livestock sector by the private sector, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive, to survive and thrive. We are focused on addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and the need for enhanced veterinary services. Through partnerships with the private sector and international development agencies, we aim to ensure livestock subsistence realizing its full potential.”
Meanwhile, in a goodwill message, the Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Lawan Geidam, represented by Ijeoma, expressed optimism that the Nestle Demonstration Farm will change the narrative in FCT’s livestock industry. “We deeply appreciate your efforts and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this initiative. Permit me to use the opportunity to urge the management of Nestle to ensure that this project lives up to expectations. It must serve as a model for best practices in dairy farming. It is imperative to inform you that the Federal Capital Development Administration, FCDA, plans to revitalize the livestock sector beyond the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve. The reserves located at Ruboshi, Wassa and Kau are receiving attention with numerous infrastructure developments taking place there”, Geidam said,
Also in another goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer, cbi innovations Limited, Olusoji Apampa, said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé’s demonstration farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes positive change. We are dedicated to sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, promote animal welfare, and ensure the health and well-being of our consumers.”
