The Center for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development (CNDDD), in partnership with FrieslandCampina WAMCO and other stakeholders, has moved to transform the Nigerian dairy sector through innovation and collaboration.
Speaking at a recent webinar themed “Transforming the Nigerian Dairy Sector through Innovation and Collaboration,” which provided a platform for policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and development partners to exchange ideas on advancing the country’s dairy industry through sustainable practices.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, stressed the need to prioritize sustainability in the sector.
According to him, the transformation of the dairy industry hinges on embracing practices that ensure long-term viability.
“Sustainable practices such as rotational grazing, backward integration and practices of climate resilience will ensure that the industry remains viable even as the effect of climate change becomes very pronounced,” he remarked.
Roger Adou, Chairman of the CNDDD Board of Trustees and Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the dairy sector.
“For over five decades, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has advanced backward integration by leveraging innovation and collaboration.
This has had a lasting impact on smallholder farmers while positioning Nigeria as a potential leader in sustainable dairy production,” Adou stated.
Delivering goodwill messages at the event were the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Michel Deleen; the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Barr Obiageli Amadiobi.
They commended the efforts of CNDDD and its partners in driving dairy development initiatives in Nigeria.
Panel discussions during the webinar highlighted innovative solutions such as the introduction of the Girolando crossbreed, advanced breeding techniques, hybrid seed development for pastures, and the Value4Dairy project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
These innovations underscored FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s dedication to enhancing dairy nutrition accessibility through its ‘grass-to-glass’ approach.
Panelists included experts from Bowen University, the University of Abuja, Van Hall Larenstein University, and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, all of whom emphasized the importance of collaboration in boosting productivity, sustainability, and farmer empowerment.
The event also showcased the impact of CNDDD’s sponsorship programs, with testimonials from students benefiting from these initiatives.
The webinar concluded with a call for strengthened stakeholder engagement and research-driven solutions to address challenges in the dairy value chain.
CNDDD, a collaborative effort between FrieslandCampina WAMCO and its Dutch-Nigerian partners, continues to prioritize advanced research, capacity building, and innovative practices to empower Nigeria’s dairy industry.