Nigeria’s efforts to reduce its annual $1.5 billion dairy import bill has received renewed attention as the Federal Government commended Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State for its growing contribution to domestic milk production and cattle breeding.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the commendation during a visit to the farm on Wednesday, November 4, describing the facility as a model for modern dairy farming and the country’s biggest operational dairy farm.
The farm is operated by Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Ekiti State Government.
Originally established in the 1980s, it underwent renewed investment following the formalisation of the partnership in 2019, supported by an initial $5 million investment from Promasidor.
Located in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, the farm produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily, accommodates over 700 cattle and spans more than 530 hectares.
Maiha said expanding local dairy production was essential to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported products, creating jobs and strengthening food security.
Commending the facility’s progress in breeding, animal health management and milk production, Maiha also expressed the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate with Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government on opportunities to expand local dairy production.
Speaking during the visit, Promasidor’s Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, said the facility had sold more than 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year to improve access to dairy cattle and strengthen local production.
He said the farm initially faced challenges, including the loss of imported cattle that struggled to adapt to Nigerian conditions, but sustained breeding efforts had helped develop successive generations better suited to the local environment.
Adenson said the farm had also invested in producing some of its feed requirements, including maize and soybean, alongside animal healthcare and improved dairy production practices.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government to expand the farm’s capacity and accelerate development of the domestic dairy value chain.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo said the state was committed to developing an integrated agricultural value chain covering crop production and livestock development.
He also highlighted the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic to improve animal healthcare, disease management and livestock productivity.
Beyond milk production, the farm supports community development through its weekly Ikun Milk Day initiative, which provides fresh milk to primary school pupils in Ikun and introduces them to modern dairy farming practices.
The Headmistress of AUD CAC United, Margaret Owolabi, said the initiative had positively affected pupils, teachers and the wider community.
Promasidor Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, said building a sustainable dairy industry required long-term investment, technical expertise and collaboration among government, private investors and host communities.
According to Promasidor, the farm directly employs more than 200 people and generates over 1,000 indirect jobs in surrounding communities.