L-R: Oyeniyi Adebayo, Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, representing the Governor; Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, FNIM, Minister of Livestock Development; François Gillet, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria; and Efeguom Oreiro, Human Resources and Corporate Services Director, Promasidor Nigeria, during the Minister’s visit to Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, as Promasidor intensifies efforts to boost local dairy production and strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
By Peace Udugba
The investment has strengthened local cattle breeding, milk production and job creation as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on imported dairy products.
Nigeria’s drive towards dairy self-sufficiency has received a boost following sustained investment by Promasidor Nigeria Limited in Ikun Dairy Farm, located in Ekiti State.
The farm, operated through a partnership between Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government, is emerging as a model for public-private sector collaboration in local milk production, cattle breeding and sustainable agricultural development.
The progress recorded at the facility came into focus during a working visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
During the visit, Maiha commended the investment, describing the achievements in local cattle breeding, animal healthcare and milk production as significant contributions to the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The Minister noted that Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, stressing the need to increase domestic production capacity and reduce dependence on foreign dairy supplies.
Originally established in 1983, Ikun Dairy Farm remained largely underutilised for several years until a partnership between Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government was formalised in 2019, paving the way for renewed investment and development.
With an initial investment of $5 million by Promasidor, the facility has developed into an integrated agricultural operation covering more than 500 hectares, housing over 700 cattle and producing more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily.
One of the farm’s major achievements is its progress in local cattle breeding.
The farm’s Group Finance Director and Chairman, Mr Yomi Adexson, disclosed that more than 160 pregnant heifers were sold to farmers this year to support the expansion of dairy farming beyond the facility.
He acknowledged that the project encountered challenges during its early stages, including the loss of approximately 185 imported cattle due to difficulties adapting to local environmental conditions.
However, sustained investment in breeding programmes and improved animal management has helped the farm develop successive generations of cattle better adapted to Nigeria’s environment.
The development is expected to provide valuable lessons for Nigeria’s livestock industry, particularly in reducing dependence on imported breeding stock, improving productivity and strengthening local dairy farming.
In addition to milk production, the farm has invested in the cultivation of maize, soybean and cassava to support animal feed requirements. It has also strengthened its animal healthcare services and adopted improved farm management practices.
Promasidor Nigeria Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Francois Gillet, said building a sustainable dairy industry requires long-term investment, technical expertise and effective collaboration among stakeholders.
He identified local cattle breeding, farmer development and adaptation to environmental conditions as critical factors in establishing a productive and resilient dairy sector.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain that connects crop production with livestock development.
He also highlighted the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic to improve animal healthcare and strengthen livestock productivity across the state.
Beyond agricultural production, the Ikun Dairy Farm investment is contributing to economic development in its host community, providing more than 200 direct jobs and supporting over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
The project also has a social responsibility component through its weekly Ikun Milk Day programme, which provides fresh milk to primary school pupils in the host community.
The initiative has attracted commendation from local school authorities, who acknowledged its positive impact on pupils and the wider community.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to transform its livestock industry, the Ikun Dairy Farm experience highlights the importance of public-private partnerships, local cattle breeding, improved animal feed production and investment in agricultural infrastructure.
Although achieving national dairy self-sufficiency will require further investment in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure and support for smallholder farmers, developments at Ikun demonstrate the potential of sustained private-sector investment in expanding domestic production.
For Promasidor, the project represents a long-term commitment to Nigeria’s dairy industry, with expected benefits for food security, employment generation and sustainable economic growth.
