Arla Foods Nigeria has showcased modern dairy farming technologies and livestock management practices at its 2026 Arla-Dano Damau Open Day, bringing together 850 farmers, students, government officials and industry stakeholders in Kaduna State.

Held on October 28 and 29 at the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, the event demonstrated how investment, technical expertise and industry collaboration can help strengthen Nigeria’s domestic milk production and develop a more productive dairy sector.

Participants received practical exposure to modern dairy operations, animal nutrition, livestock management and milk production technologies, providing opportunities to exchange knowledge and explore ways of improving productivity across the country’s dairy value chain.

Dairy farm demonstrates milk production potential

One of the main attractions was a live milking demonstration showcasing the productivity of the farm’s dairy herd.

The Arla-Dano Farmhouses more than 450 Friesland Holstein cattle, with the highest recorded milk yield during the demonstration reaching 57 litres from a single cow in one day.

The demonstration highlighted the potential of improved dairy genetics, appropriate animal nutrition and modern livestock management in increasing milk production.

For Nigeria, where domestic milk supply remains a major development priority, such investments could contribute to reducing reliance on imported dairy products.

Building Nigeria’s domestic dairy industry

Speaking at the event, Elele Ogunsanya, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Arla Foods Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing local dairy production and supporting communities across the milk value chain.

She said dairy farming contributes to community nutrition, rural livelihoods and economic development, stressing that Arla’s activities in Nigeria extend beyond supplying dairy products.

The company is also focused on strengthening local farming capabilities, transferring technical knowledge and building partnerships that can support a resilient domestic dairy industry.

Nigeria’s livestock sector requires sustained investment in improved cattle management, veterinary services, animal nutrition, infrastructure and farmer training to increase local milk production.

Government calls for stronger industry collaboration

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, also attended the open day and emphasised the importance of long-term cooperation between government institutions, dairy companies, farmers and development partners.

He highlighted the need for a dairy industry capable of improving children’s access to nutritious food, providing sustainable incomes for farmers and strengthening local milk supply chains.

The minister also pointed to the sector’s potential to create employment opportunities across livestock production, processing, distribution and related services.

Arla introduces school feeding initiative

A major announcement at the 2026 open day was the presentation of Arla’s proposed School Feeding Programme in Kaduna State.

The initiative aims to improve children’s access to nutritious food, support educational outcomes and stimulate demand for locally produced dairy products.

Under the programme, Arla intends to supply freshly produced yoghurt from its Damau farm to participating schoolchildren several times a week.

The initiative could also create a market for locally produced milk, linking dairy production more directly with nutrition programmes and institutional consumers.

Investment and technology key to dairy sector growth

The Arla-Dano Open Day highlighted the importance of connecting commercial dairy investment with local farming development, technical training and reliable markets.

For Nigeria, expanding domestic milk production will require greater investment in dairy infrastructure, improved animal genetics, access to quality feed and veterinary services, as well as stronger partnerships between farmers and processors.

Initiatives that connect local production with schools, processors and other institutional buyers could also help create more predictable markets for dairy farmers.

As Nigeria continues to develop its livestock industry, modern dairy operations such as the Arla-Dano Farm offer opportunities to demonstrate production technologies and farming practices that could contribute to the growth of the country’s domestic dairy value chain.