From left: Oyeniyi Adebayo, Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor and representative of 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, Ekiti State, as Promasidor advances efforts to strengthen local dairy production and Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
Susan Abayomi
Nigeria’s drive towards dairy self-sufficiency is gaining momentum as Promasidor Nigeria Limited expands local milk production through its investment in Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships in transforming the country’s livestock industry.
The farm, operated in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, is emerging as a model for sustainable dairy production, improved cattle breeding and 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 Promasidor’s investment, noting that developments in cattle breeding, animal healthcare and milk production aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the livestock sector and reduce dependence on imported dairy products.
The Minister disclosed that Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, stressing the need to expand domestic production capacity and reduce exposure to international supply challenges.
Established in 1983, Ikun Dairy Farm experienced years of underutilisation before Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government formalised a partnership in 2019 to revitalise the facility.
With an initial investment of $5 million by Promasidor, the farm has developed into an integrated agricultural operation spanning more than 500 hectares, housing over 700 cattle and producing more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily.
A major achievement of the investment has been the development of local cattle breeding capacity. According to the farm’s Group Finance Director and Chairman, Yomi Adexson, more than 160 pregnant heifers were sold to farmers this year to support the expansion of dairy farming beyond the facility.
Adexson recalled that the farm encountered significant challenges during its early operations, including the loss of approximately 185 imported cattle due to difficulties adapting to local environmental conditions.
However, sustained investments in breeding programmes and improved animal management have helped develop successive generations of cattle better adapted to Nigeria’s climate.
The development is expected to contribute to reducing reliance on imported breeding stock while strengthening the long-term sustainability of local dairy production.
Beyond milk production and cattle breeding, the farm has expanded into maize, soybean and cassava cultivation to support animal feed requirements. It has also invested in animal healthcare and improved farm management systems to enhance productivity.
Promasidor Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, emphasised that building a sustainable dairy industry requires long-term investment, technical expertise and effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
He identified local breeding capacity, farmer development and adaptation to environmental conditions as critical factors in establishing a productive and resilient dairy sector.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo reaffirmed the state’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 designed to improve animal healthcare and strengthen productivity across the state’s livestock sector.
The investment has also generated economic benefits for surrounding communities, providing more than 200 direct jobs and supporting over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Its community development efforts include the weekly Ikun Milk Day programme, through which fresh milk is distributed to primary school pupils in the host community. The initiative has received commendation from local school authorities for its positive impact on pupils and the wider community.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen food security and reduce dairy imports, developments at Ikun Dairy Farm highlight the importance of private-sector investment, improved livestock management, local breeding programmes and agricultural infrastructure.
Although achieving national dairy self-sufficiency will require further investment in milk processing, cold-chain facilities and support for local farmers, the progress recorded at Ikun demonstrates the opportunities available through sustained investment and effective public-private collaboration.
For Promasidor, the project represents a long-term commitment to developing Nigeria’s dairy industry while supporting employment generation, food security and sustainable economic growth.
