The Federal Government has pledged support for efforts by Promasidor Nigeria Limited to expand local milk production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported dairy products.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the indication during a visit to Ikun Dairy Farm in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Maiha commended Promasidor for its investment in the facility, particularly in cattle breeding, animal healthcare and domestic milk production.

He said Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products, stressing the need to strengthen local production and reduce pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves.

The minister noted that investments such as Ikun Dairy Farm could help bridge the domestic supply gap, generate employment and improve national food security.

The facility operates through a partnership between Promasidor and the Ekiti State Government. Although established in the 1980s, it remained underutilised for several years before both parties formalised their partnership in 2019.

Promasidor subsequently committed an initial $5 million towards the farm's revival and development.

The facility now covers more than 530 hectares, accommodates over 700 cattle and produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily, according to its management.

Speaking during the visit, Promasidor's Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, disclosed that the facility had sold more than 160 pregnant heifers to farmers in 2026.

He said the initiative was intended to improve farmers' access to dairy cattle and strengthen the country's capacity for local milk production.

Adenson explained that the farm encountered significant challenges in its early years, particularly with imported cattle struggling to adapt to Nigeria's environment, resulting in the loss of several animals.

However, sustained breeding efforts had enabled the development of successive generations of cattle better adapted to local conditions.

He added that the farm had invested in producing some of its feed requirements, including maize and soybean, while improving animal healthcare and adopting better dairy production practices.

Adenson called for closer collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government to expand the facility's capacity and accelerate the development of Nigeria's dairy value chain.

In his response, Maiha acknowledged the farm's progress in cattle breeding, animal health management and milk production, expressing the government's willingness to explore opportunities for further expansion with its partners.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to developing an integrated agricultural value chain linking crop production with livestock development.

Adebayo, who represented the governor, also highlighted the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic as part of efforts to improve animal healthcare, strengthen disease management and enhance productivity in the livestock sector.

Promasidor, which commenced operations in Nigeria in 1993, manufactures and markets food and beverage brands including Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Onga, Top Tea, Twisco and Kremela.