Nestlé Nigeria Invests N1.8 bn to Boost Pastoralists’ Livelihoods

Nestlé Nigeria has committed 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 Nestlé Nigeria Plc, made this announcement during the unveiling of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm under the Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP) in Abuja.

Mr. Elhusseini explained that the NLDP, launched in collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE in 2019, focuses on three main pillars: better milk, better feed (fodder), and resilient communities. He stated, “The NLDP project has invested N1.858 billion and currently collects an average of 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily from 1,600 dairy households. The project aims to increase milk aggregation to 30,000 litres per day by November 2027 through improved local breeds and the adoption of best dairy farming practices.”

Participants in the program have seen a significant increase in their household monthly income, rising from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024. This growth is attributed to improved dairy practices and the development of enabling infrastructure within the community. Milk collection at the Paikon Kore centre has increased from an initial 200 litres on June 1, 2021, to an average of 6,000 litres per day. Elhusseini added, “To date, the project has aggregated over one 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 in dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water. 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.”

The initiative has significantly improved milk quality, reducing rejection rates from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024. Elhusseini reaffirmed the company’s goal to achieve a critical mass of 30,000 litres of milk production per day by November 2027 across the FCT and its adjoining dairy farm clusters, emphasizing that this effort will greatly contribute to regional food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, praised Nestlé for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, describing the dairy farm as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development. He highlighted the project’s benefits, including enhanced productivity through climate-smart sustainable practices, capacity-building for local farmers, and providing a reliable income source for thousands of rural families through the Paikon Kore milk collection hub. Maiha stated, “This project enhances productivity through climate-smart sustainable practices, builds capacity for local farmers, and provides a reliable income source for thousands of rural families. It is a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development.”

He also pledged the ministry’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, and the need for improved veterinary services.

Olusoji Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations Ltd (CBIIL), described the unveiling as the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry, showcasing a commitment to excellence and sustainability. He emphasized that the dairy farm is a testament to “our dedication to sustainable milk use and quality, supported by robust herd health practices, effective livestock management, and breed improvement.” Apampa added that the project is enhanced by technology to minimize production costs while nurturing the environment and supporting the local economy. He revealed that the animal population on the farm had grown from 20 to 71 cattle over the past year and eight months. Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development at the FCTA, noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster economic growth and national development.