FG Partners Indigenous Company To Develop The Dairy Sector

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development and local dairy company, L&Z Integrated Dairy Farms, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing the dairy sector and helping to tackle the recurring Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria.

The MoU signing which took place at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Headquarters in Abuja, had the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, signing on behalf of the Federal Government while Chairman, L&Z Integrated Dairy Farm – Keith Richards, signed for L&Z Farms.

Ogbe lamented the high importation of powdered milk and other dairy products running into millions of dollars into the country, which has negatively impacted the economy over the years, while about 37 per cent of Nigerian children remain malnourished.

He however expressed optimism that the MoU signing would help accelerate the development of the dairy sector; help improve nutrition and curtail the migration and roaming of herdsmen, an unhealthy situation for the sector.

“The conflict between herdsmen and farmers is very undesirable for a country that has 45 million hectares of empty land; having to watch herdsmen wander around and getting into conflicts with crop farmers but because we have neglected this sector for too long we have the crisis with us and the best way to solve it is by retracing our steps and doing what L&Z has done and what they are willing to do.”

Speaking, the Chairman, L&Z said: “Nigeria is no doubt feeling the negative impact of herders roaming around and realizing that there is a lot of contribution they can make to the economy when this is stopped.”

The MoU would facilitate the formation of herdsmen co-operatives, add value to their businesses and enhance the collection of raw milk for production. The MoU will also enable the training of herdsmen on best practices in livestock production with quality service delivery for improved dairy production in Nigeria.