
Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy products has long been a source of economic strain. Each year, the country spends an estimated $1.5 billion on importing powdered milk, butter, and cheese to meet local demand. This dependency not only drains foreign reserves but also places undue pressure on the exchange rate. But what if Nigeria could reverse this trend by sourcing milk locally?
The Economic Impact of Local Milk Production
Improving milk production domestically could significantly boost Nigeria's economy. For starters, it would reduce the demand for foreign exchange needed to import dairy products, strengthening the naira and stabilising the exchange rate. Additionally, a vibrant local dairy sector could create thousands of jobs, from herders to processors, contributing to rural development and poverty alleviation.
Consider this: during Detty December 2024, Nigeria reportedly earned $100 million in tourism revenue alone. Now imagine the economic ripple effects if a fraction of the billions spent on dairy imports were reinvested into local milk production. The potential for growth is enormous.
Nestlé Nigeria: A Catalyst for Change
Nestlé Nigeria, in partnership with CBi Innovations Ltd (CBiIL), is leading the charge to revolutionise the country’s dairy industry. Through the launch of a state-of-the-art demo farm in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nestlé aims to transform dairy farming practices and empower local cattle owners to achieve global standards.
The Objectives of the Paikon Kore Demo Farm
Increase Milk Yields:Â Train herders to boost milk production from 1 litre per cow daily to up to 15 litres.
Improve Hygiene Practices: Ensure milk collection meets international standards by introducing proper storage techniques, such as cooling milk to 4°C within 2 hours of milking.
Promote Sustainable Practices:Â Educate herders on herd health management, feeding strategies, and water conservation.
Introduce Breed Improvement:Â Advocate for crossing resilient local breeds with high-yield dairy cattle to improve productivity.
The Broader Benefits of Local Milk Sourcing
By building a robust local dairy sector, Nigeria could position itself as a key player in the global dairy market. The forex savings alone would be substantial, freeing up resources for investment in industry and trade. Investors would also find a fertile ground for growth, spurred by government incentives and private sector initiatives.
A Call to Action for Policymakers and Investors
Nestlé Nigeria’s investment at Paikon Kore is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and the general public. Policymakers must implement supportive regulations and funding mechanisms to expand such initiatives. Investors have an opportunity to be part of a transformative industry with significant economic and social returns.
The Time to Act is Now
Nestlé Nigeria’s vision of a thriving local dairy industry is not just a dream, it’s a blueprint for economic transformation. With the launch of the Paikon Kore Demo Farm, the country is taking its first major step towards reducing dairy imports, stabilising the naira, and unlocking the untapped potential of its agricultural sector.
For more information, contact us at +234 901 625 3028, email info@cbiinnovations.com, or visit www.cbiinnovations.com/demo-farm-launch.
Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s milk production doesn’t just meet local demand but also becomes a source of national pride and economic prosperity.
About Nestlé
Nestlé, the Good Food, Good Life company, enhances lives by providing nutritious food that respects the planet. With 270,000 employees, 2,000 brands, and operations in 188 countries, Nestlé is committed to a sustainable future.
About CBiIL
CBi Innovations Ltd. (CBiIL) has chosen to scale up innovations in the grains, dairy and Information and Advisory Services Markets where the largest outreach and income increases were recorded during the BIF project.
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