WAMCO, Nigerian Government partner to establish dairy academy

NIGERIA – FrieslandCampina WAMCO, a dairy manufacturer, has announced plans to establish a Dairy Academy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria.

The initiative aims to strengthen local capacity, enhance milk production, and create sustainable employment opportunities for dairy farmers nationwide.

The announcement was made during the 2025 World Milk Day Conference in Abuja, where FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Managing Director, Roger Adou, emphasized the academy’s role in advancing Nigeria’s dairy sector.

The academy, set to be located on a 20-hectare plot at Maya Farm in Oyo State, will serve as a specialized training hub for farmers and service providers.

Designed to provide modern training in dairy farming, milk hygiene, animal health, and climate-smart agriculture, the academy will also offer flexible courses alongside an intensive artificial insemination (AI) program.

To ensure effective learning, the facility will be equipped with a training hall, laboratory, cow sheds, hay barns, silage storage, and essential farm machinery.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Ore Famurewa, described the academy as a “major leap forward” in building the technical and business capacity of dairy farmers. She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a hub of dairy excellence through local partnerships and sustainable practices.

Late last year, the company introduced the Zero-Waste Initiative, which aims to advance sustainable practices in Nigeria’s dairy industry.

The initiative, which was unveiled during the 2024 Global Sustainability Week in Lagos, adopts a two-phase approach to tackle waste management challenges while fostering a circular economy.

The first phase focuses on reducing post-production waste sent to landfills, while the second phase targets the recovery of post-consumer waste.

This strategy aligns with the company’s goal of achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

Speaking at the launch, Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, represented by Mosopefolu George, commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget, acknowledged the importance of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s efforts in aligning with the state’s sustainability objectives.

“Today’s launch reflects our collective commitment to create a cleaner and healthier Lagos. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, FrieslandCampina is supporting Lagos State’s waste management goals and setting an example in the food and beverage industry.”

FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s managing director, Roger Adou, described the initiative as part of the company’s commitment to environmental preservation alongside delivering high-quality dairy products to Nigerians.

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