Promasidor Nigeria Limited is expanding local milk production and cattle breeding through its investment in Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, as Nigeria steps up efforts to reduce its dependence on imported dairy products.
The farm, which operates through a partnership between Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government, is emerging as an example of how private investment and government collaboration can support the development of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The progress recorded at the facility came under focus during a visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
During the visit, Maiha commended the investment in cattle breeding, animal healthcare and milk production, describing the development as a contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the livestock sector.
He noted that Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, stressing the need to increase domestic production and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign supplies.
Established in 1983, Ikun Dairy Farm remained underutilised for several years before Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government formalised their partnership in 2019 to revive and develop the facility.
Promasidor initially invested $5 million in the project. The farm has since grown into an integrated agricultural operation covering more than 500 hectares, with over 700 cattle and a daily production capacity of more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk.
Beyond milk production, the farm has made progress in developing cattle better suited to local conditions. Its Group Finance Director and Chairman, Yomi Adexson, disclosed that more than 160 pregnant heifers were sold to farmers this year to support dairy farming beyond the facility.
Adexson also recalled some of the early difficulties encountered by the farm, including the loss of about 185 imported cattle due to challenges adapting to Nigeria’s environment.
He said continued investment in breeding and animal management had helped the farm develop successive generations of cattle with better adaptability to local conditions.
The facility has also expanded into maize, soybean and cassava cultivation to support animal feed production, while improving veterinary care and general farm management.
Promasidor Chief Executive Officer, Francois Gillet, said developing a sustainable dairy industry requires long-term investment, technical expertise and cooperation among stakeholders.
He identified local cattle breeding, farmer development and the ability to adapt farming practices to Nigeria’s environmental conditions as important factors in improving productivity.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor during the visit, the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building an 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 support livestock productivity across the state.
The project has also created employment opportunities, with the farm providing more than 200 direct jobs and supporting over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Its activities extend to the host community through the weekly Ikun Milk Day programme, which provides fresh milk to primary school pupils. The initiative has received positive feedback from local school authorities.
As Nigeria continues to pursue greater self-sufficiency in dairy production, the development at Ikun highlights the role of investment in local breeding, animal healthcare, feed production and farmer support.
Although expanding domestic production will also require stronger milk processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure and support for farmers, the project offers an example of how sustained investment and public-private partnerships can contribute to building a stronger dairy industry.
For Promasidor, the investment is part of its commitment to supporting local production, creating jobs and contributing to Nigeria’s food security.
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