CNDDD, FrieslandCampina WAMCO drive innovation to transform Nigeria’s dairy sector

In his keynote address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, emphasized the importance of sustainability.

According to him, ensuring the long-term viability of Nigeria’s dairy industry requires adopting resilient and environmentally conscious practices.

“Sustainable practices such as rotational grazing, backward integration, and climate-resilient methods will ensure that the industry remains viable even as the effects of climate change become more pronounced,” he stated.

Roger Adou, Chairman of the CNDDD Board of Trustees and Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.

“For over five decades, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has advanced backward integration by leveraging innovation and collaboration. This has had a lasting impact on smallholder farmers while positioning Nigeria as a potential leader in sustainable dairy production,” Adou remarked.

Notable attendees included Michel Deleen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, and Dr. Eniola Ajayi, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, who both praised CNDDD’s initiatives.

Dr. Barr Obiageli Amadiobi, Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), also commended the organization’s efforts in driving dairy development.

Panel discussions featured experts from institutions such as Bowen University, the University of Abuja, and Van Hall Larenstein University.

According to these panelists, innovative solutions—such as introducing the Girolando crossbreed and advanced breeding techniques—are crucial for improving productivity and sustainability.

The webinar also showcased FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Value4Dairy project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to enhance dairy nutrition through a ‘grass-to-glass’ approach.