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EU Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Diary Farmers Improve Productivity
EU Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Diary Farmers Improve Productivity
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to support local dairy farmers in Nigeria, address the key challenges affecting the quality and quantity of milk produced by their cattle.
The EU identified the key challenges to include water shortage, the non affordability of vaccines and medicines, and impeded access to quality feed for cows.
Acknowledging the broader issues facing the dairy sector, the EU emphasised its plans to assist farmers in enhancing their storage capacity and improving critical production inputs such as feed and water. These efforts aim to boost the quality of dairy products, increase productivity, and ultimately raise farmer’s income.
A recent visit of an EU team to the Kaduna-based Naturell Dairy, a member of EuroCham Nigeria contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s dairy sector, was an opportunity to witness first-hand the successes and challenges of dairy farming and processing in Nigeria. Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, explained that the visit was in the context of the rolling out of new EU support to agriculture in Nigeria, targeting the dairy sector, amongst others, with focus on incomes, jobs, and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) growth.
She noted that the goal is to improve the entire value chain from milk production and collection to transportation, processing, and storage ensuring greater efficiency and productivity.
Speaking to the plant employees and farmers, Stefanowicz explained that: “We are a donor organisation, providing the funding for many initiatives in Nigeria. We particularly recognise the importance and potential of agriculture in creating economic growth and jobs, but we also recognise the many challenges it faces. That’s why we want to support dairy producers, farmers who rear milk cows and others in the dairy value chain to the benefits of everyone, increasing incomes, opportunities and health of the population.”
She further stated that: “We’re here to assess what’s needed to help farmers raise both the quantity and quality of their milk production. We’re meeting with farmers, companies, and stakeholders in the value chain to better understand how to tailor our support. For example, feed quality directly impacts milk output, so it’s vital to address these concerns.”
She also noted that increased milk supply to processors like Naturell Dairy would not only boost production but also expand local access to dairy products, promote business growth, and create new income streams for rural communities.
Sales Manager at Naturell Dairy, Christian Idakwoji, highlighted the company’s role in sourcing milk directly from local farmers and supporting them through training and livelihood opportunities. “We collect milk organically from farmers’ home grown cows, providing them with a sustainable income. However, we face challenges in transporting the milk without spoilage due to a lack of cold storage infrastructure such as cooling vans and vehicles,” he said.
He added that while Naturell Dairy had established roadside cooling points and begun training farmers in proper milk handling, further support was needed in training for aggregators, and logistics to reduce spoilage and enhance efficiency.
Local dairy farmer, Abubakar Muhammed, expressed hope in the EU’s intervention, pointing to water scarcity, high vaccine costs, and inadequate feed as major hurdles. “We often fetch water from unhygienic streams. We urgently need access to clean water, quality feed, and affordable medication to improve our cows’ health, productivity, and our overall income,” he said.
Stephen Joshua, an aggregator with Naturell Dairy, also welcomed the EU’s involvement. “We’re pleased that the EU is stepping in to support dairy farmers. Most farmers here own about 40 cows each, but milk yields vary based on the quality of feed. On average, each cow produces only 2 litres daily. With EU support, we expect to see a reduction in milk spoilage and a significant boost in productivity,” he stated.
EU Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Diary Farmers Improve Productivity
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
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