NJEMANZE EMMANUEL, Abuja
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, on Thursday, commissioned the Nestle Demonstration Dairy Farm at the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The initiative is part of Nestle Nigeria’s Livestock Development Project, with the purpose of strengthening the local dairy industry and improving the livelihoods of milk producers.
In his speech at the event, Maiha commended Nestle Nigeria and its partners— 2Scale, CBI Innovation Limited, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, for their collaboration in driving progress in the dairy sector.
His words, “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nestle Nigeria for this remarkable initiative. The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestles unwavering commitment to backward integration, fostering local agriculture, supporting Nigerian farmers, and contributing to the sustainable development goals(1,2,8,17).
“The dairy sector holds immense potential for Nigeria. As the Federal Government works tirelessly to diversify our economy, we recognise the critical role livestock production plays in creating jobs, generating income, and improving nutrition for our people.”
He added that Nestle’s investment aligns seamlessly with the national agenda for livestock development.
The minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating enabling environment for investments like this to thrive through policies that improve infrastructure, access to finance and veterinary services.
“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 the livestock subsector realizes it’s full potential,” he said.
In his response, the Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, described the event as a milestone in Nestle’s commitment to advancing the local dairy industry.
Elhusseini said, “this event marks a milestone in our commitment to advancing the local dairy industry through the Nestle Livestock Development Project, which is one of our creating shared value initiatives impacting industries and families, communities, and also the planet.
“As a leading food and beverage company, Nestle is dedicated to unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovation Limited, Olusoji Apampa harped on the broader significance of the project.
“This occasion marks not only the realization of a vision, but also the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry.
“At the heart of our venture is a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community,” Apampa said.
The facilities in the farm include: semi-automated milking systems, sustainable waste management practices, and improved animal feed.
Nestle Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion since 2019 to support in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve. From an initial collection of 200 liters of milk in June 1, 2021, the daily collection has now grown to an average of 6,000 liters at the Paikon Kore milk collection and cooling center.
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