NIGERIA – The Gombe State Government in Nigeria has unveiled plans for a strategic partnership with COPAG Bladna, a leading Moroccan dairy company, to foster a profitable dairy business, tapping into the state’s abundant livestock resources.
Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s Director General of Press Affairs, announced the collaboration, highlighting its focus on leveraging the potential of Nigeria’s dairy sector through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
The announcement came during Governor Yahaya’s recent visit to COPAG’s largest dairy factory in Taroudant, Agadir, Morocco, which was part of an investment mission aimed at replicating COPAG’s successful dairy model on a smaller scale in Gombe.
Expressing his administration’s dedication, Governor Yahaya outlined plans to organize livestock cooperatives and establish a state-of-the-art abattoir and cattle market. These facilities will be a regional hub for livestock business activities and value chains.
“The Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve holds immense potential for milk collection and processing. We aim to introduce sustainably produced dairy products such as flavored milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt, modeled after COPAG’s successful approach,” Governor Yahaya stated.
Adding to the discourse, COPAG’s President, Moulay M’hamed Loultiti, highlighted their commitment to fostering efficient, profitable, and value-creating agriculture.
He emphasized the integrated strategy that strengthened their agricultural expertise, marketing capabilities, and industrial skills, ensuring high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian dairy sector has been revitalizing, with the government taking significant steps to revive the industry.
Advocating for increased private-sector investment and public-private partnerships, Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director of Animal Husbandry Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the sector’s evolution from traditional practices to modernized systems.
However, Lai-Solarin acknowledged persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent milk yields, and limited access to advanced technologies.
She recognized Nigeria’s potential as the largest market for dairy products in West Africa and emphasized the sector’s crucial role in agricultural and economic development.
In line with these efforts, the Nigerian Government has also unveiled the new National Dairy Policy to catalyze development in the livestock and dairy sectors.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the government, highlighted the policy’s theme of “Harnessing Nutrition and Investment Opportunities in a Sustainable Dairy Value Chain” during the unveiling ceremony.
Shettima stressed the global significance of dairy, supporting the livelihoods of one billion people worldwide and offering economic and employment opportunities, particularly for youth.
He affirmed the policy’s role as a roadmap for energizing the dairy industry and addressing challenges through extensive stakeholder consultations.
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