Nestlé, Nigeria partner to boost milk production through new skills program

NIGERIA – Nestle, a giant food company, has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to enhance the country’s dairy sector through a new skills development program.

The initiative, formalised through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on World Milk Day 2025, aims to enhance milk production and processing across the country.

Livestock minister, Mukhtar Maiha, said, “Since the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, we have taken significant steps to address the challenges facing the dairy value chain. Under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, we are focusing on key pillars, including livestock value chain development and feed and fodder improvement.”

The program is designed to equip local dairy farmers with mid-level technical and vocational skills, focusing on milk hygiene, processing, farm management, and industry-relevant training.

By addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s dairy value chain, the initiative aims to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and foster sustainable livelihoods.

Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director, Wassim Elhusseini, stressed the broader significance of the collaboration, noting that it represents more than a formal agreement.

It reflects a joint commitment to closing critical skill gaps within Nigeria’s dairy sector, which remains underdeveloped despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.

By aligning global expertise with local realities, Nestlé aims to raise industry standards, generate employment opportunities, and make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Nestlé Nigeria records US$31.8M profit in Q1 2025

In its Q1 2025, Nestle Nigeria reported a profit before tax of N51.2 billion (US$31.8M) for the first quarter (Q1) ending March 31, 2025, a notable recovery from a loss of N196.1 billion (US$121M) in Q1 2024.

This turnaround was fuelled by strong revenue growth, improved cost efficiency, and a significant reduction in foreign exchange losses.

Additionally, operating profit increased by 254% to N74.1 billion (US$46M), up from N20.9 billion (US$12.9M) in the same period last year.

“The Q1 2025 outcomes reflect our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and strong fundamentals, marking a successful continuation of our return to profitability that began in Q4 2024,” said Wassim Elhusseini, CEO and Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria.

He added that the robust topline growth of 61% in Q1 2025 and a profit after tax of N30.18 billion (US$18.7M) demonstrates that their focused efforts are yielding the desired results, driven by strong operating performance.

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