Experts Discuss Nigeria’s Dairy Future at CNDDD Webinar

The Centre for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development (CNDDD) convened its 2025 Annual Webinar recently, bringing together senior government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and academia to discuss pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s dairy value chain.

The virtual event, themed “Building a Productive and Sustainable Dairy Value Chain,” reaffirmed national commitment to advancing a competitive dairy sector aligned with the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda.

The program opened with a welcome address by the CNDDD Chairman and Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Roger Adou, and goodwill messages from representatives of the Netherlands, leading Nigerian Universities and Industry Partners.

A major highlight was the Keynote Address titled “The Future of Dairy Development in Nigeria,” delivered by Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chairman, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee who was ably represented by the Secretary of the Committee, Professor Demo Kalla.

The address reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing livestock systems, improving productivity, scaling dairy infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships that support national food security objectives.

He commended CNDDD and FrieslandCampina WAMCO for their continued leadership in capacity development, research, and backward integration.

The high-level Panel Session featured distinguished experts from investment banking, government, private sector and focused discussions on critical pillars shaping the future of the dairy industry.

Panelists in persons of the Director of Dairy Development, FrieslandCampina, Saud Ahmed Pasha, Member, Nigeria Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform, Professor Demo Kalla, Business Development Manager, Development Bank of Nigeria and Head of Dairy Development, FrieslandCampina WAMCO all highlighted practical solutions for scaling milk collection systems, strengthening commercial farm operations, expanding access to affordable finance, and advancing regulatory frameworks that support safety, quality, and national competitiveness.

The Partner Session featured a case study by Remco de Waal of Trouw Nutrition (Nutreco), showcasing innovations in feed and fodder systems that are improving farm productivity and supporting emerging dairy hubs.

In her Closing Remarks, Temitope Adeola, Public Affairs Manager of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, emphasized the importance of coordination among government, private sector, and research institutions, noting that CNDDD remains committed to supporting the Federal Government’s livestock transformation priorities through structured knowledge sharing and practical interventions.

The 2025 Annual Webinar is a testament to CNDDD’s mission to connect partners, strengthen technical capacity, and advance a future where Nigeria’s dairy sector is resilient, competitive, and capable of meeting the nutrition needs of its growing population.