Nigeria’s push to reduce reliance on imported dairy products is beginning to show results, with Promasidor Nigeria reporting increased local milk production through its participation in the National Dairy Development Programme.

The fast-moving consumer goods company says its Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State has become a major contributor to local dairy output while supporting jobs, food security, and affordable nutrition for consumers.

Why it matters

Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on dairy imports, placing pressure on foreign exchange and food prices.

Investment driving local production

Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, François Gillet, said the company’s dairy investment aligns with its long-term localisation strategy.

“As a market leader in quality food and beverage products, the national dairy development programme is a critical part of our long-term strategy to localise raw material sourcing, strengthen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem, and ensure consistent delivery of nutritious milk products to consumers,” Mr Gillet said.

The Ikun Dairy Farm was established in 2019 through a partnership with the Ekiti State Government.

Promasidor invested an initial $5m in the project, followed by additional capital injections to expand operations.

The farm currently houses more than 750 high-yielding cattle, making it the largest dairy farm in Nigeria, according to the company.

Technology and sustainability

Promasidor says the farm relies on modern dairy management systems, including routine artificial insemination, to support herd growth and productivity.

Veterinary doctors and trained dairy practitioners oversee operations, helping to improve animal health and milk yields.

To secure feed supply, the company has cultivated over 500 hectares of maize and soya beans, aimed at ensuring consistent, high-quality nutrition for the cattle.

Jobs and community impact

Beyond production, the dairy project has become a significant source of employment in Ekiti State.

Promasidor says the farm directly employs more than 200 local residents, with over 1,000 indirect jobs created across nearby communities.

Local economic analysts say such projects can help slow rural-urban migration while improving household incomes.

Public health and education

As part of its social impact efforts, Promasidor runs the “Ikun Milk Day” initiative.

Under the programme, fresh milk from the Ikun Dairy Farm is distributed weekly to government primary school pupils in the Ikun community.

Education advocates say access to nutritious food can improve children’s concentration, school attendance, and learning outcomes.

A legacy in Nigeria’s dairy market

Promasidor has played a long-standing role in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

In 1993, the company disrupted the food and beverage market with the introduction of Cowbell Milk sachets, a format later adopted widely across the industry.

Today, its brand portfolio includes Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Toptea, Onga, Twisco, and Kremela.

What’s next

Located on over 500 hectares in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, the Ikun Dairy Farm is being positioned as a model for public-private collaboration in agriculture.

Nigeria’s National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a pilot project aimed at offering sustainable livelihoods to communities involved in illicit cannabis cultivation, marking a shift from enforcement to engagement.

The initiative, known as the Alternative Development Project, was unveiled on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State.

Why it matters

Nigeria has long struggled with illicit drug cultivation, which fuels insecurity, environmental damage and rural poverty.

NDLEA says replacing illegal crops with profitable legal alternatives could improve food security, weaken criminal networks and reduce conflict between farmers and law enforcement.

‘From enforcement to empowerment’ — Marwa

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), said the project was designed to end the “age-long battle” between authorities and illicit drug producers.

“The introduction of the Alternative Development Project in Nigeria will end the age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers while also offering them sustainable livelihoods that will ensure food security,” he said.

Marwa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food production and economic inclusion.

Security concerns and drug economy

The NDLEA boss warned that drug cultivation and trafficking pose serious security risks.

“We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking and criminalities—Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds,” he said.

He added that while the drug trade generates huge profits, host communities often remain poor and insecure.

Community-led crop substitution

Marwa stressed that the project would succeed only through community ownership.

“We are here to build a robust community network to support the Alternative Development project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping,” he said.

“This initiative belongs to you, the people, and we want to ensure its long-term sustainability.”

He said NDLEA would work with communities willing to abandon cannabis cultivation in favour of legal crops.

Profitable alternatives to cannabis

According to Marwa, some legal crops can generate higher income than cannabis.

“There is a wide range of licit cash and food crops such as Artemisia annua, which has a higher financial value than cannabis, in addition to other beneficial properties in the cure of malaria,” he said.

He described Alternative Development as “empowerment, not enforcement.”

‘We are no longer enemies’

Marwa assured participants that the initiative would not be used as a trap for arrests.

“Alternative Development will not be used as a deceptive tool to arrest or detain anyone,” he said.

“From today, we are no longer ‘enemies’. We are friends. We are partners in progress.”

He said Ondo State would serve as a pilot location, starting with three communities, before a nationwide rollout.

Ondo State Government backs project

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa, welcomed the programme and pledged full state support.

“I assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of Ondo State Government towards stemming the tide of drug abuse,” he said.

The governor said the state would provide land, clear farms and supply seeds to participating communities.

Youth urged to reject drugs

Ayedatiwa called on young people to embrace the new opportunities.

“You have a great future ahead of you, but to fulfil your potential, you must say no to drugs,” he said.

He urged youths to take advantage of government intervention programmes and focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Traditional rulers lend support

Traditional leaders in the state also endorsed the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of royal institutions, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, described the project as timely.

“There’s no alternative to it. We know the consequences of cannabis cultivation and all other drugs,” he said.

“It is better to have opportunities that are legally available in the land.”

International and expert backing

The event drew national and international partners, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Development experts say crop substitution programmes, when community-driven, can reduce drug supply while strengthening rural economies.

What’s next

NDLEA says it will assess the Ondo pilot before making recommendations to the Federal Government.

If successful, the programme could be expanded to other states battling illicit drug cultivation.

The Enatta Foundation has thrown its weight behind a new climate-resilient aquaculture project launched by WorldFish in Afowo Community, Badagry, Lagos State.

The initiative, unveiled on 12 December 2025, is the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Pilot Project, designed to promote environmentally sustainable fish farming while improving incomes for coastal communities.

Enatta Foundation was represented at the launch by Mrs Adi Okuyelu, who said the project aligns with the foundation’s commitment to food security, environmental sustainability and community-led development.

Why Enatta Foundation’s involvement matters

Nigeria’s fisheries sector faces mounting pressure from climate change, water pollution and rising production costs.

Development advocates say partnerships involving research institutions and community-focused organisations like Enatta Foundation are critical to addressing these challenges.

Mrs Okuyelu said the IMTA pilot offers a practical pathway toward a more secure and sustainable future for Nigeria’s fisheries sector.

She noted that empowering local farmers with environmentally responsible technologies is essential for long-term economic resilience.

What the IMTA project is about

The IMTA pilot is being implemented by WorldFish, an international research organisation focused on aquatic food systems.

The project was developed in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Lagos State University and local aquaculture stakeholders.

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture allows different aquatic species to be farmed together in a single ecosystem.

Waste from finfish becomes nutrients for seaweeds and shellfish, which help clean the water while providing additional products for farmers to sell.

Expert insight: why IMTA is gaining attention

Speaking at the launch, the Director of WorldFish Nigeria, Dr Charles Iyangbe, said the system tackles some of the biggest constraints in Nigerian aquaculture.

“The design of this pilot is environmentally sound and scalable,” he said.

“It responds directly to rising feed costs and deteriorating water quality, which continue to limit aquaculture expansion in Nigeria.”

He added that the model could be expanded across coastal regions with government support.

Industry and government reactions

The event drew wide participation from across the aquaculture value chain.

Those present included Captain Robinson Akinwale, Secretary-General of the Lagos State Fishermen Cooperative Association, and Olaleru Olabusoye, President of the Badagry Commercial Mariculture Aquaculture and Allied Farmers Cooperative (BACOMAF).

Mr Akin Pedro attended on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems.

Professor Shehu Latunji Akintola, Head of the Department of Fisheries at Lagos State University, also participated, highlighting the role of research and training in sustainable aquaculture development.

What it means for local farmers

For fish farmers in Badagry, the project could translate into real economic gains.

IMTA reduces reliance on expensive external feed, improves water quality and creates multiple income streams from one farming system.

Farmers and cooperative members are expected to receive technical training and ongoing support as the pilot progresses.

Community leaders say this approach ensures innovations move beyond theory to deliver practical benefits.

Enatta Foundation and community-driven solutions

Enatta Foundation says its participation reflects a belief that sustainable aquaculture must be rooted in local realities.

The foundation has prioritised partnerships that strengthen livelihoods while protecting natural ecosystems.

By working alongside WorldFish and local cooperatives, Enatta Foundation aims to help ensure that small-scale producers are not left behind as aquaculture evolves.

What’s next

WorldFish says lessons from the Afowo pilot will guide future scale-up and policy engagement.

For Enatta Foundation, the project represents a test case for how science-based solutions can be adapted to community needs.

If successful, the IMTA model could influence aquaculture practices across Nigeria’s coastline, offering a more sustainable way to produce food and protect aquatic resources.