Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria Plc signs MOU to boost livestock genetics and dairy feed systems

NIGERIA – The federal government of Nigeria and Nestlé Nigeria Plc have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve livestock genetics and strengthen dairy productivity, in a move expected to influence feed demand, animal nutrition practices, and herd health management across the country.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, focuses on establishing a dairy skills development centre to provide hands-on training in ranch management, breeding, fodder production, and animal health. 

Livestock Development Minister Idi Maiha said the initiative addresses a major gap in technical capacity within Nigeria’s dairy sector.

“This intervention is aimed at addressing a major challenge in Nigeria’s dairy industry; the shortage of practical technical skills required to operate modern ranches and dairy farms,” he said.

According to him, the absence of specialised training institutions has constrained productivity, particularly in feed formulation, pasture management, and herd health practices. 

“The centre will help train Nigerians to manage livestock as a modern enterprise and increase investors’ confidence in the sector.

“You can train people to be bankers, lawyers and doctors; you can also train people to become farm managers. The first set of trainees is expected to graduate within one year,” he added.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s livestock transformation agenda, which seeks to modernise production systems and reduce conflict linked to traditional grazing. 

Impact on the feed industry

The focus on genetics and structured dairy systems signals a shift toward higher-quality nutrition inputs. 

Improved breeds typically require balanced rations, including formulated feeds, silage, and consistent forage supply, increasing demand for commercial feed and premix solutions. 

Nestlé’s Managing Director Wassim Elhusseini said the partnership builds on existing investments in the dairy value chain.

“This partnership marks a transition from intent to execution,” he said, noting that the company had signed a letter of intent with the ministry in 2025.

He added that Nestlé has invested over N1.8 billion (US$1.1 million) in dairy development since 2019.

The investment has supported the aggregation of more than 1 million litres of raw milk, the training of over 2,000 pastoralists, and the vaccination of more than 36,000 cattle.

From a feed and animal health perspective, these interventions are already shifting production systems. 

Vaccination programs improve herd health outcomes, while training in fodder production supports more reliable feed availability and reduces seasonal nutrition gaps. 

The planned training centre is expected to deepen these gains by promoting intensive and semi-intensive dairy systems, where feed efficiency, ration balancing, and animal health management are critical to productivity. 

Nigeria’s dairy sector remains underdeveloped, producing less than 700,000 tonnes of milk annually, while demand exceeds 1.6 million tonnes, leaving a significant supply gap. 

As structured dairy systems expand, feed manufacturers are likely to see increased demand for compound feeds, mineral supplements, and forage solutions tailored to improved genetics.

The MoU therefore positions feed and animal health as central pillars in Nigeria’s push to build a more productive and commercially viable livestock sector.

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