Promasidor Nigeria Limited is strengthening Nigeria’s drive towards dairy self-sufficiency through sustained investment in Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported milk and build a more competitive domestic livestock industry.
The farm, operated in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, is emerging as a model for public-private collaboration, demonstrating how strategic investment can improve local milk production, strengthen cattle breeding and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Progress at the facility came into focus during a working visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
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 US$1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, underscoring the urgent need to expand domestic production capacity and reduce the country’s vulnerability to international supply pressures.
Established in 1983, Ikun Dairy Farm remained underutilised for several years until Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government formalised a partnership in 2019, ushering in a new phase of investment and operational development.
Following an initial US$5 million investment by Promasidor, the farm has developed into an integrated agricultural operation spanning more than 500 hectares. It currently houses over 700 cattle and produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily.
A major milestone in the project has been its progress in local cattle breeding, which is helping to expand dairy farming opportunities beyond the facility.
The farm’s Group Finance Director and Chairman, Mr Yomi Adexson, disclosed that more than 160 pregnant heifers had been sold to farmers this year, supporting the development of dairy farming capacity across other parts of the country.
He acknowledged that the farm had encountered significant challenges in its early years, including the loss of approximately 185 imported cattle due to difficulties adapting to local environmental conditions.
However, sustained investment in breeding programmes and animal management has helped the farm develop successive generations of cattle better suited to Nigeria’s climate and environmental conditions.
The achievement offers valuable lessons for Nigeria’s livestock development strategy, particularly in improving productivity, reducing reliance on imported breeding stock and building resilience within the domestic dairy industry.
Beyond cattle breeding and milk production, the farm has expanded its agricultural operations to include maize, soybean and cassava cultivation to support animal feed production. It has also invested in animal healthcare and improved farm management practices.
Promasidor Chief Executive Officer, Mr Francois Gillet, emphasised that developing a sustainable dairy industry requires a long-term commitment supported by technical expertise, consistent investment and effective collaboration.
He identified local breeding capacity, farmer development and adaptation to environmental conditions as critical factors in building a productive and resilient dairy sector.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor during the visit, 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 as part of efforts to strengthen animal healthcare and improve productivity across the state’s livestock sector.
The impact of Promasidor’s investment extends beyond agricultural production, with the farm providing more than 200 direct jobs and supporting over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Its community development initiatives also 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 positive feedback from local school authorities, who acknowledged its contribution to pupils’ welfare and the wider community.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to transform its livestock industry, the Ikun Dairy Farm project 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 sustained investment in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure and support for farmers, the progress at Ikun demonstrates the potential of long-term investment and effective collaboration to strengthen domestic dairy production.
For Promasidor, the project represents a continued commitment to developing Nigeria’s dairy industry while supporting employment generation, food security and sustainable economic growth.
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