In a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s dairy industry, Nestlé Nigeria Plc and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada.
Located at the existing Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, the new centre aims to boost technical capacity, improve milk quality, and raise productivity across the local dairy value chain.
This agreement follows the company’s ongoing Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP) and builds on a Letter of Intent signed on World Milk Day 2025, marking a shift from pilot efforts to a full-scale, structured training model.
What the Centre Will Offer
According to a statement signed by Toritseju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, the collaboration will focus on hands-on, industry-relevant training, including better farm practices for production, processing, hygiene, and management; technical skill development in partnership with key industry players; and stronger coordination within dairy clusters and higher milk quality standards.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the partnership would enable the company to boost productivity in the area of dairy development.
“At Nestlé, we’ve long worked to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain. Our experience shows that when capability improves, results follow. This partnership with the Ministry allows us to scale our structured approach—boosting productivity, quality, and long-term sector sustainability,” Elhusseini stated.
Since 2019, Nestlé’s livestock project has helped establish 83 dairy cooperatives, reached over 3,000 milk producers, aggregated more than 1 million litres of raw milk, trained over 2,000 pastoralists, and vaccinated over 36,700 cattle.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, expressed optimism that the partnership would be a significant move towards developing human capital needed to drive the advancement of Nigeria’s dairy sector.
“Nigeria’s dairy sector has great potential, but unlocking it demands stronger technical skills. This partnership is a practical step forward. Nestlé’s proven track record through its Livestock Development Project shows what’s possible with the right systems. Our Ministry is committed to enabling such investments, ensuring policy and partnerships drive real impact,” the minister stated.
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He noted that the initiative supports the National Dairy Policy and the broader National Development Plan, advancing food security and economic opportunity.
Following the signing of the MoU, both parties will finalise the training framework, prepare the demonstration farm site, and begin a phased rollout with relevant stakeholders.
According to the company, the new Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre will focus on building mid-level technical expertise—critical for the sector’s long-term resilience.
The partnership’s goal is to promote livelihoods, increase domestic output, and contribute to national development by scaling proven initiatives and boosting local capacities.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X