The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed support for Promasidor Nigeria Limited's efforts to increase domestic milk production and reduce the country's reliance on imported dairy products. This was made known by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a visit to the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State. The farm, operated in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, has been producing over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily.
Nigeria currently spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products, a figure that puts pressure on the country's foreign exchange. Maiha stressed the need to strengthen domestic production to address this issue. He commended Promasidor for its investment in the Ikun Dairy Farm, particularly in cattle breeding, animal healthcare, and local milk production. The minister noted that investments like Ikun Dairy Farm could help create employment opportunities and improve national food security.
The Ikun Dairy Farm, located in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, spans over 530 hectares and accommodates more than 700 cattle. The farm was established in the 1980s but remained underutilised for several years until Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government formalised their partnership in 2019. As part of the partnership, Promasidor committed an initial $5 million to the farm's revival and development.
Promasidor's Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, disclosed that the farm had sold over 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year. The initiative aims to help farmers access dairy cattle and strengthen local capacity for milk production. Adenson noted that the farm had encountered difficulties in the past, particularly with the adaptation of imported cattle to Nigeria's environment, but sustained breeding efforts have led to the development of cattle better adapted to local conditions.
The Ikun Dairy Farm has also invested in producing some of its feed requirements, including maize and soybean, while strengthening animal healthcare and adopting improved dairy production practices. Adenson called for closer cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government to expand the farm's capacity and accelerate the development of Nigeria's dairy value chain.
In response to Promasidor's efforts, Maiha acknowledged the facility's progress in cattle breeding, animal health management, and milk production. He expressed the Federal Government's readiness to work with Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government to explore opportunities for expanding the facility and increasing domestic dairy production. The Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain.
Promasidor, which began operations in Nigeria in 1993, manufactures and markets a range of food and beverage products. The company's investment in Ikun Dairy Farm is part of its broader commitment to strengthening local agricultural production and building a sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria. Key initiatives include cattle breeding programs, animal healthcare, and local milk production, which are expected to contribute to Nigeria's food security and economic growth.
Key points
- The Federal Government supports Promasidor's efforts to increase domestic milk production and reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported dairy products.
- The Ikun Dairy Farm produces over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily and accommodates more than 700 cattle.
- Promasidor has committed to strengthening local agricultural production and building a sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria.
Reporting sources
- The Guardian · The Guardian
