Susan Abayomi
The Federal Government has commended Promasidor Nigeria Limited for its investment in Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, describing the facility as a model for modern dairy farming and a significant contributor to the country’s efforts to boost local milk production.
The commendation came during a visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to the farm on Wednesday, November 4, where he acknowledged its achievements in cattle breeding, animal healthcare and dairy production.
The farm, located in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, currently produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily, accommodates over 700 cattle and covers more than 530 hectares, making it one of the country’s largest operational dairy facilities.
During the visit, Maiha highlighted Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported dairy products, noting that the country spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports. He stressed the need to strengthen domestic production through strategic investments, improved livestock management and collaboration between government and private-sector players.
Ikun Dairy Farm is operated by Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Ekiti State Government. Although originally established in the 1980s, the facility experienced years of underutilisation before the partnership was formalised in 2019, backed by an initial investment of $5 million from Promasidor.
Speaking during the visit, Promasidor’s Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, disclosed that the farm had sold more than 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year as part of efforts to expand access to quality dairy cattle and strengthen local milk production.
He explained that the facility initially faced challenges, including the loss of imported cattle that struggled to adapt to Nigeria’s environment. However, sustained breeding programmes have helped develop successive generations of cattle better suited to local conditions.
Adenson added that the farm had also invested in producing some of its animal feed requirements, including maize and soybean, alongside improvements in animal healthcare and dairy production practices.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government to expand the facility’s capacity and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
In his remarks, Maiha acknowledged the farm’s progress and expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government to explore opportunities for expansion and increased domestic dairy production.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain covering crop production and livestock development.
He also highlighted the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic as part of the state’s efforts to improve animal healthcare, strengthen disease management and increase productivity in the livestock sector.
Beyond its agricultural contributions, Ikun Dairy Farm has continued to support its host community through social intervention programmes. Under its weekly Ikun Milk Day initiative, Promasidor and the farm provide fresh milk to primary school pupils while introducing them to modern dairy farming practices.
The Headmistress of AUD CAC United, Margaret Owolabi, appreciated the initiative, noting that it had generated excitement among pupils and positively impacted the school, its teachers and the wider community.
Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, described building a sustainable dairy industry as a long-term commitment requiring patience, technical expertise and consistent investment.
He emphasised that developing local cattle breeding capacity, supporting farmers and adapting livestock to Nigerian conditions were gradual processes that required sustained collaboration among government, private investors and host communities.
The investment has also generated employment opportunities, with the company disclosing that the farm directly employs more than 200 people and supports over 1,000 indirect jobs within its host and surrounding communities.
Established in Nigeria in 1993, Promasidor manufactures and markets several food and beverage brands, including Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Onga, Top Tea, Twisco and Kremela.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to reduce its dairy import bill and strengthen food security, Ikun Dairy Farm’s operations highlight the importance of sustained private-sector investment, improved cattle breeding, animal healthcare, local feed production and farmer development.
However, achieving nationwide dairy self-sufficiency will require further investments in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure, quality dairy cattle and support systems for local farmers.
The development of Ikun Dairy Farm demonstrates the potential of effective public-private partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, create employment and advance the country’s ambition of building a more self-reliant dairy industry.
